By Michael Mroziak
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-974172.mp3
Amherst, NY – Erie County is now implementing an alert system similar to that used for missing children, only this one covers missing persons living with forms of dementia.
The Silver Alert System alerts police agencies and media when a person living with Alzheimer's Disease or other form of dementia goes missing.
Erie County Legislator Ed Rath, who told reporters of the quick and easy passage of Silver Alert legislation in Erie County Hall, says 60% of Alzheimer's patients will wander from the safety of their homes or senior centers, threatening their safety. He also noted the rising number of cases of Alzheimer's disease locally and nationally.
"Right now five-point-three million Americans are afflicted with Alzheimer's," said Rath. "In the next 40 years that's going to grow 300-fold."
The Silver Alert System is similar in principle to the Amber Alert System, utilized for missing children. Currently, there is no statewide alert system in place but legislation is reportedly pending in Albany. In the meantime, Erie County police agencies will have limited means to distribute urgent information.
"It's a little more limited than the Amber Alert in that all of the state resources, particularly all the sign boards, the Thruway signage, some of the electronic signs that the state has, would not be activated on the Silver Alert," said Erie County Sheriff Timothy Howard.
Local leaders say they moved ahead with Silver Alert legislation rather than wait for when, and if, a statewide system is approved.
Leilani Pelletier, Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Association Western New York Chapter, says if a loved one or acquaintance living with dementia goes missing, call police right away.
"Also, do not wait for this to happen," said Pelletier. "If you know someone with dementia, if you are in the early stage of Alzheimer's Disease or related dementia, please call the Alzheimer's Association so that we can help find ways, before a tragedy happens, that you can minimize your risk that this will happen."
Coincidentally, as these leaders were introducing the Silver Alert System at an Amherst news conference, the Erie County Sheriff's Department was preparing to issue its first Silver Alert. A woman reported missing in Clarence was found safe a short while after deputies issued the Silver Alert.