Wandering is a life-threatening behavior that may accompany Alzheimer's disease (AD). Nearly 60% of Alzheimer's patients become disoriented and wander off, sometimes getting far away from home. Half of those who wander die if they are not found within 24 hours.

In an effort to help caregivers, the Alzheimer's Association is offering a new online service called Safe Return. Safe Return assists in the identification and return of people with dementia who wander away or become lost. More than 70,000 individuals have registered with the nationwide service, which boasts a nearly 100% rate of return.

If the registrant wanders and is found, the person who found him or her can call the 24-hour Safe Return toll-free number located in the wanderer's identification wallet card or jewelry or clothing label. On the other hand, if a caregiver reports that a loved one is missing, Safe Return can fax local law enforcement agencies the missing person's background information and photograph.