Seeking an Alzheimer’s Silver Alert System

A piece of legislation being sponsored by U.S. Senator Charles Schumer would create a “Silver Alert System” to help locate missing adults afflicted with Alzheimer’s or other forms of impairment.

            The National Silver Alert Act is modeled after the AMBER Alert system, which helps find missing children. The bill would “create a nationwide network for locating missing adults and senior citizens with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other mental impairments,” according to a press release.

            “When a person with Alzheimer’s wanders from his or her home it can be a truly frightening time for that individual and their family and friends,” Schumer said. “Statistics show that, with timely notification, the chances of finding a missing person are greatly increased.”

            More than 60 percent of those suffering from Alzheimer’s either wander or get lost while suffering from it, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. In addition, 50 percent of those are at risk for a serious illness or even death if they are not located within 24 hours.

            “This bill will provide funding for states to set up Silver Alert systems to put more people on the lookout when an adult goes missing to make sure that more families are reunited with their loved ones in New York City and across the country,” Schumer said.

            The proposed legislation, which has already passed in the House of Representatives, would enable the Department of Justice to create a communications system for Silver Alerts. Along with providing support to Silver Alert programs already in existence, the bill would also “encourage states to develop additional Silver Alert plans.”

            The bill would provide the Department of Justice with up to $16 million each year for as many as four years to fund grants. The grants would then be used for education, training and needed technology.