It's no myth that up to 60 percent of those with dementia will wander. If not found within 24 hours, up to half will suffer serious injury or death as in the case of Julie Kay Webster. The Safe Return program's greatest challenge is getting persons with dementia enrolled in the program BEFORE a wandering episode occurs. 2/3 of our incidents involve a good samaritan or law enforcement officer calling to report a found enrollee who was never reported missing. This clearly reinforces that wandering is unpredictable and can happen at anytime, even on days when the person with dementia may seem unimpaired. The Alzheimer's Association Safe Return program encourages caregivers and persons with dementia to contact us for more information on wandering and aging safely with dementia at 800-272-3900. We are here to help 24/7. Sincerely, Monica Moreno Associate Director, Safety Services Alzheimer's Association - National Office ******************************************************************** You are 100% correct, Monica. Getting the word out on Safe Return is very important. I've written about it in my column as well as the blog, and I've even referred to Safe Return in a press release. All of us involved with Alzheimer's patients need to do what we can to make people aware that the patient should be registered now - rather than later. Later could be too late. Thanks so much for writing. Carol