FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 16, 2009
Contact: Keili Hicks (405) 319-0780

Governor Henry Signs Law Implementing Program for Missing Seniors
Alzheimer’s Association Commends Program Benefiting Adults with Dementia

Oklahoma City - The Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma and Arkansas Chapter commends Governor Brad Henry for the singing into law H.B. 2030, establishing the Oklahoma Silver Alert program. Passage of this legislation establishes criteria for implementing a statewide program to locate missing persons that have Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive impairment. The legislation passed both the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Senate unanimously.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2009 Alzheimer’s Facts and Figures Report, 6 out of 10 people with Alzheimer’s disease will wander from their home or facility at some point during the progression of their disease. If not found within a 24-hour period, up to half will suffer from serious injury or death.

“We are encouraged that Governor Henry recognizes the needs of the growing number of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease,” said Mark Fried, Chapter Executive Vice President. “Silver Alert will allow families with a missing loved one to quickly distribute critical information to the public.”

From October 2007 to October 2008, the Department of Public Safety cited that there were more than 300 incidents of nursing home residents being reported missing. Even in one's own neighborhood or a place that is familiar, the person living with Alzheimer's may become disoriented or lost. And, 94 percent of people with Alzheimer's disease who wander are found within just over a mile from the last location they were seen.

“We are eager to work with the Governor, the Oklahoma Legislature, and the Department of Public Safety to ensure that law enforcement and the media have the proper training needed to successfully execute all aspects of a Silver Alert,” continued Fried.

To address the threat of the growing number of cases of Alzheimer’s disease, a government-appointed Task Force has been formed to study the state of the disease in Oklahoma. The Task Force will evaluate the training needed by law enforcement in order to properly issue and respond to a Silver Alert. The Oklahoma Task Force on Alzheimer’s will present their recommendations to the Governor and legislature on September 1st.

###

The Alzheimer’s Association is the largest voluntary health organization in the country with the dual mission of conquering Alzheimer’s disease through research and enhancing care and support for people with the disease, their families, and caregivers. The Association provides a 24-hour Helpline (1-800-272-3900), support groups, education programs, care consultation, information and referral, and Safe Return. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease visit www.alz.org.