Alzheimer's Association Backs Silver Alert Proposal

WATERTOWN, MA, May 19 (MARKET WIRE) --
The Alzheimer's Association is pushing for legislation for a Silver Alert
program for Massachusetts. The proposed alert system would activate a
local search effort when a person impaired with Alzheimer's disease or
other dementia wanders and becomes lost.

There are an estimated 120,000 people with Alzheimer's in Massachusetts.

"More than 60% of people with Alzheimer's will wander at some point in the
course of the disease," said Jim Wessler, President/CEO of the Alzheimer's
Association, MA/NH Chapter. "Wandering is life-threatening. A Silver Alert
program would help reduce the danger and give some peace of mind to people
with this disease and to their families."

Massachusetts legislators are currently considering a Silver Alert bill
sponsored by Senator Robert A. O'Leary (Cape and Islands) and developed
with input from the experts at the Alzheimer's Association. Unlike the
Amber Alert for missing children, the response for Silver Alert would
focus on a search area close by the location where the person
disappeared. Most of those who become lost, about 90%, are on foot.
Search protocols are based on research showing that unless they leave by
car, these missing persons are most often found within a mile of where
they were last seen.

As proposed, Silver Alert would include special training for law
enforcement officers and 9-1-1 operators. A reverse 9-1-1 call system
would alert neighbors and local businesses most likely to first notice an
older person who appears confused or disoriented.

"We need a coordinated approach with law enforcement and first
responders," Wessler said. "I encourage everyone to get behind this
effort and to ask their state Representatives and Senators to support
this legislation."

"The key to protecting these individuals from harm is to locate them
quickly," said Senator O'Leary. "We need to give public safety officials
the tools to build on successful alert networks so that we may avoid harm
to those people whenever possible, and so that we can send a positive
message that we are providing all we can to safeguard our loved ones."

The Alzheimer's Association's Medic Alert(R)+Safe Return(R) program, a
24-hour nationwide emergency response service for those with Alzheimer's
who wander or who have a medical emergency, would enhance the proposed
Silver Alert system. The program offers an identification bracelet, also
coordinates with local law enforcement, and provides vital follow-up
counseling to patients and families.

The Alzheimer's Association provides education and support to those
affected by the disease. For information on programs, support groups and
community resources, call the Alzheimer's 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900 or
visit www.alz.org/MANH.

Contact:
Betsy Fitzgerald-Campbell
617-868-6718
Email Contact

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