The Bedford Police Department has implemented an Alzheimer’s registration program for residents who have a family member with this disease. People with Alzheimer’s disease can wander from a safe environment anytime or any place and become lost (even in familiar settings). This can be life-threatening for the individual. Wandering can be caused by several factors, including: medication side effects, stress, confusion related to time, restlessness, agitation, anxiety, inability to recognize familiar people, places, and objects, fear arising from the misinterpretation of sights and sounds, or the desire to fulfill former obligations, such as going to work or looking after a child.
The purpose of this program is to help police identify these persons should they wander off from their place of residence or caretaker. Anyone wishing to register a person who has Alzheimer’s or a related medical condition may do so by coming to the Bedford Police Station and completing the Alzheimer’s Registration Form. (FORMS HERE) Please bring a current photograph of the individual, if they are not able to accompany you to the station. Also, you can register nationally through the Alzheimer’s Association by calling 1-800-272-3900 or on their website at www.alz.org.