Dementia Wandering at Night

Below is a fantastic article about – Dementia Wandering at Night

To read the full article click here 

Around six in ten people living with dementia will walk about at night at some point, according to research from Imperial College London’s UK Dementia Research Institute. If you’re one of the carers lying awake listening for footsteps, you’re far from alone. That won’t make the 3 am hours feel any easier, but you’re not figuring this out from scratch.

Nighttime wandering is one of the most exhausting and frightening parts of living with or caring for someone with dementia. You don’t have to manage it alone.

This guide covers why nighttime wandering happens, at what stage of dementia it typically begins, practical ways to reduce the risk, and how to put a safety plan in place.

Dementia night wandering at a glance

  • Nighttime wandering is common in dementia and can begin at any stage, though it’s most frequent in the middle and later stages.

  • Common causes of nighttime wandering in dementia include a disrupted body clock, disorientation in the dark, unmet physical needs, and sundowning.

  • Simple changes to routine, lighting, and the sleep environment can significantly reduce the risk of nighttime dementia wandering.

  • The Herbert Protocol is a free UK police scheme that helps locate missing vulnerable people quickly.

A new film highlights the hope and positivity around dementia research by telling the story of Larry Woelk, who has benefitted from a new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

The film from Alzheimer’s Research UK follows the retired business executive and his experience on the lecanemab drug trial.

Larry and his wife Rita are passionate advocates for clinical trials. The film shows how early diagnosis and encouraging people to participate in drugs trials is vital in the search for a cure for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Watch the film

Early diagnosis leads to Alzheimer’s drug trial

Both Larry and Rita have experience of dementia in their families. Larry’s mother died with Alzheimer’s, while Rita’s sister also has the disease and is living in a care home. So, when they noticed problems with Larry’s memory they sought a diagnosis promptly.

Larry was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in 2018 after an MRI scan. He was then able to join the lecanemab trial in 2020.

Larry’s experience shows just how life-changing an early and accurate diagnosis can be. Yet across the UK, too many people are left waiting months – even years – for the same answers.

That’s why, through our Dementia Unseen campaign, we’re calling on Government to make dementia diagnosis a right, not a waiting game.

Benefitting from a treatment for Alzheimer’s

Larry received an IV infusion of the drug every two weeks through The Memory Assessment & Research Centre in Southampton.

After the first trial finished, it was confirmed he was receiving the drug, not the placebo. He then went onto the extended trial which continues until the end of 2025.

Quick enquire

Ready to take the next step towards a healthier mind and a more purposeful future?

Fill out the form and our team will get back to you!