Prevalence of and antecedents to dementia-related missing incidents in the community.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study is to examine the prevalence of and antecedents to missing incidents among community-dwelling persons with dementia.

METHODS

This prospective study used mailed surveys and telephone interviews.

RESULTS

The prevalence of having any incident was 0.46/year; the overall prevalence for missing incidents in this study was 0.65/year. Missing incidents had few antecedents and occurred largely when persons with dementia were performing everyday activities that they normally completed without incident.

CONCLUSION

Given that a missing incident is relatively common among persons with dementia, health care professionals should assist caregivers with a missing incident plan early in the disease process. Also, as missing persons are found by persons other than the caregiver and caregivers underutilize identification devices, health care professionals may recommend the use of identification devices to facilitate a safe return.