II. Epidemiology
- Incidence in Alzheimer's Disease: 66%
III. General
- Frequently results in Nursing Home placement
IV. Management
- Medications often worsen wandering
- Second to Akathisia (motor restlessness)
- Aggressively treat sleep problems
- Increase daytime activity
- Daytime chores and stimulation
- Take frequent walks
- Secure area for patient to wander
- Outside door barriers
- Rig alarm (hang tin cans from door by a string)
- Door Locks patient can't operate
- Fire hazard risk
- Visual barriers
- Stop sign on door
- Black rectangle on floor prior to outside door
- Hide door knob with cloth
- Safe-Return ID bracelet ($40)
- Available through Alzheimer's Association
- Limit robbery risk
- Patient should not wear expensive jewelry
- Patient should not carry a large sum of money
- Notify local police of wandering risk
V. References
- Howell in Duthie (1998) Geriatrics p. 295-305
- Ham (1997) Postgrad Med 101(6):57-70 [PubMed]
- Stewert (1995) Am Fam Physician 52(8):2311-22 [PubMed]