Wondering about Wanderers?

Suppose your grandmother wanders out of the house in the middle of the night. What can you do for some peace of mind to keep them safe?

One option is a MedicAlert + Safe Return bracelet. Here's some information:

Enroll in program: 1.888.572.8566

Report a wandering incident: Call 911 first. Then call 1.800.625.3780. 

MedicAlert + Safe Return enrollment package

For $49.95, with a $25 annual renewal fee, the enrollment kit includes:

* MedicAlert Identification bracelet or pendant
* Wallet card
* "6 Steps to a Safe Return" magnet
* Personal Health Record Summary
* Alzheimer's Association brochure

What are some important considerations for dementia?
Here's a few mnemonics that might be helpful:
Remember the reversible causes of DEMENTIA

Drug intoxication
EtOH
Metabolic (hypothyroidism, order TSH!)
Emotions (screen for depression!)
Nutrition (Vit B1/B12... order B12!)
Tumor/Trauma/"Tension"-Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Infection (neurosyphilis, consider RPR!)
Anemia/Atherosclerosis (order CBC!)

I'm very fond of important mnemonics that help me quickly recall things at the bedside, especially if they can be easily detected and treated before it progresses into something much more permanent.


GOMERS go to ground - The Fat Man, House of God. (Elderly people have a tendency to fall.)
There's a ton of mnemonics on falling. IHATEFALLING, CATASTROPHE*... those are too long but you can google them at your leisure.
GMA MOVES is more to my liking.

Gait impairment
Multiple Meds-Polypharmacy
Alcohol and drug use
Medical illness (PNA, MI, anemia, hyponatremia)
Orthostatic/postprandial hypotension
Visual Impairment
Environmental hazards (poor lighting, stairs, rugs, uneven floors)
Syncope, vertigo, presyncope, or disequilibrium

References:
See my post on the Mini Mental Status Exam (ORArL 321 RWD!)
Medical Mnemonics.com
Fall Prevention checklists: Patient Handouts

[edit] * The CATASTROPHE mnemonic is not available on the AAFP article so I've tracked it down for you.
Functional hx after a fall in the elderly
Caregiver/housing
Alcohol (including w/drawal)
Tx (meds & compliance)
Affect (depression, lack of initiative)
Syncope
Teetering (dizziness)
Recent illness/hospitalization
Ocular problems
Pain w/ mobility
Hearing
Environmental hazards