08/12/2026
🧠 COMMUNITY AWARENESS: UNDERSTANDING ALZHEIMER’S & DEMENTIA
Most of us expect some changes as we get older. We might occasionally forget a name, misplace our keys, or walk into a room and wonder why we went there in the first place.
But significant changes in memory, thinking, judgment, or behavior that begin interfering with everyday life are not simply a normal part of aging.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, but dementia itself is a broader term describing changes in memory and other thinking abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life.
Why is this something your Police Department wants to talk about?
Because dementia is a community safety issue, too.
A person experiencing dementia may become lost in a familiar neighborhood, have difficulty remembering where they live, become confused while driving, struggle to communicate what they need, fall victim to scams or exploitation, or become frightened or agitated when they don’t understand what is happening around them.
Sometimes behavior that looks like someone is being difficult, evasive, or uncooperative may actually be confusion.
Some warning signs families may notice include:
🔹 Memory loss that disrupts everyday activities
🔹 Becoming confused about time or place
🔹 Difficulty completing familiar tasks
🔹 Problems with words or conversations
🔹 Poor or changing judgment
🔹 Misplacing items and being unable to retrace steps
🔹 Changes in mood, personality, or behavior
🔹 Wandering or becoming lost in familiar places
Recognizing these changes early matters. If you are concerned about yourself, a family member, friend, or neighbor, consider starting a conversation and encouraging an evaluation by a healthcare professional.
And remember something equally important:
A person living with dementia is still a person.
Patience, dignity, reassurance, and kindness can make an enormous difference when someone is frightened or confused.
If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia who is prone to wandering or becoming lost, consider keeping a recent photograph and current description readily available. If that person goes missing and you believe they may be in danger, do not wait to contact law enforcement.
Learning a little more about dementia today may help us better recognize, protect, and support someone in our community tomorrow. 💙
For additional information about Alzheimer’s disease, warning signs, caregiver resources, and support, visit the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org .
Alzheimer's Association national site – get information on Alzheimer's disease and dementia symptoms, causes, treatment and care. Join the fight to end ALZ.
