The mind-set of a person with AD/D is much different than that of other missing persons. Therefore, questioning, report-taking, investigation and search considerations should be appropriately expanded. Agencies should develop policies and procedures that ensure 1) during agency employee contacts and encounters with older adults, consideration is given to the potential that the individual is lost but is not yet reported missing, or is spatially disoriented and at high risk of becoming lost; 2) persons found with AD/D, whether by an agency employee or a Good Samaritan, are provided with assistance that is appropriate for the AD/D medical considerations; and 3) reports of missing persons with AD/D are treated as an emergency and a search will begin as soon as reasonably possible.

These documents provide guidance for the response and investigation of missing persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/D).