When a Loved One Goes Missing: What Research Teaches Us About Dementia and Safety

For caregivers supporting someone living with dementia, one of the greatest fears is that their loved one may go missing. It’s a scenario that happens far more often than many realize — and it can unfold in everyday situations, like going for a walk or running a simple errand.

That’s why MedicAlert, in partnership with researchers at the University of Waterloo, conducted a study to better understand how often missing incidents occur and what leads up to them.

The results were published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) under the title:
“The Prevalence of Missing Incidents and Their Antecedents Among Older Adult MedicAlert Subscribers: Retrospective Descriptive Study” (read the study here).

What We Learned from the Study

In plain language, here’s what the research found:

• Missing incidents are common. Many people living with dementia experience at least one episode where they become lost or go missing.
• Most incidents happen close to home. Loved ones are often found in familiar neighborhoods or places they routinely visit.
• Triggers are often ordinary activities. Things like going for a walk, attempting to run errands, or trying to “go home” can set the stage for someone becoming lost.
• Certain times are riskier. Many missing incidents happened in the late afternoon or evening, when confusion and restlessness are more likely.

The key insight: missing incidents are not rare — they are part of the dementia journey.

Why This Matters for Caregivers

The study highlights a difficult truth: even in familiar environments, people living with dementia can become disoriented and go missing. For caregivers, this means that prevention and preparation are critical. Knowing the patterns of when and how incidents happen allows you to build safety into everyday routines.

What You Can Do with This Knowledge

Here are some practical steps caregivers can take based on the study’s findings:

• Plan safe walking routes. Keep paths short and in areas where neighbors recognize your loved one.
• Build in supervision during high-risk times. Late afternoons and evenings may require extra attention.
• Inform neighbors and friends. Let people close by know about your loved one’s condition, so they can help if they notice anything unusual.
• Make identification a priority. Ensure your loved one always wears a MedicAlert ID so they can be quickly identified if they go missing.

You Are Not Alone

Our research with the University of Waterloo shows just how common missing incidents are among people living with dementia. While this knowledge can feel overwhelming, it is also empowering — because once we understand the patterns, we can prepare for them.

MedicAlert is here to help. Through our IDs, Safe & Found program, and partnerships with first responders, we work to make sure that when a missing incident happens, loved ones are returned home safely.

By learning from research, caregivers gain tools that turn fear into preparedness — and preparedness into peace of mind.