So near yet so far: Missing man with Alzheimer’s found siting alone nearby creek in Benguet, 100m from home

ITOGON, Benguet — A missing man with Alzheimer’s disease was found safe along a creek in Barangay Ampucao, Itogon, Benguet, on Tuesday, September 8, after police, barangay officials, relatives and community members launched a search for him.

According to the Itogon Municipal Police Station, its personnel, together with barangay officials and community members, immediately conducted a search and rescue operation around the man’s residence and nearby areas after receiving the report that he was missing.

During the search, authorities found the man sitting alone along a creek about 100 meters from his home.

Police immediately checked his condition and found that he had sustained minor scratches on his forehead and thighs. He was given first aid before being assisted uphill to a safer location, where he was attended to by his family, police and barangay officials.

Police investigation later showed that the man has Alzheimer’s disease, which authorities believe may have contributed to his wandering away from home.

The Itogon police credited the man's safe recovery to the quick response and coordinated efforts of police personnel, barangay officials, relatives and community members.

Authorities also emphasized the importance of immediately reporting missing vulnerable individuals to the police and seeking help from the community, saying prompt action and cooperation can be crucial in ensuring their safety.

Why wandering can be dangerous

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that can affect a person's memory, thinking, judgment and ability to recognize familiar places. As the disease progresses, some people may wander away from home or become disoriented even in areas they previously knew well.

Wandering can expose people with Alzheimer’s to serious risks, particularly when they are unable to find their way home or communicate where they live.

In the worst-case scenario, a missing person with dementia may suffer a serious injury, become severely dehydrated or exposed to extreme weather, fall into bodies of water or other hazardous areas, or even die before being located.

In this case, the man was found relatively close to his home and was immediately assisted by responders.

The Itogon police credited his safe recovery to the quick response and coordinated efforts of police personnel, barangay officials, relatives and community members.

Authorities also emphasized the importance of immediately reporting missing vulnerable individuals to the police and mobilizing community assistance, as early action can be critical in preventing a missing person from being exposed to potentially life-threatening situations.