New dementia scheme launched in the North East

A scheme to help trace people living with dementia more quickly after they are reported missing, has been launched in the North East.

The Herbert Protocol is named after Normandy veteran George Herbert who lived with dementia.

He went missing in England while looking for his childhood home.

The protocol was originally devised by Norfolk Police to compile information about a person which could be used if a vulnerable person was reported as missing.

Almost 23,000 people are reported missing every year in Scotland with over 500 of these reports relating to people living with dementia.

“In the North East, 4% of reports of missing persons in 2017/18 involved people living with dementia.

Inspector Carron McKellar said: "It is well known that people living with dementia can suffer from loss of short term memory but can easily recall memories from decades earlier. Sometimes we find that those who are reported missing are attempting to make their way to a place of previous significance to them.

"If a person living with dementia does go missing, in addition to our usual checks of family members, last sightings, hospitals, etc. we would use the information captured on the form, to help identify where best to deploy our officers and issue appeals on social media and traditional media for any sightings.

“It can be distressing for family members to give important details when their loved one has disappeared so by completing the Herbert Protocol form before any incident occurs, it will make things easier for families and help officers respond more quickly.

“Although only 4% of missing person episodes relate to people living with dementia, by the nature of the vulnerabilities and high risks invariably involved, it is estimated that dementia-related missing person cases require two to four times the policing resource that would typically be engaged in a non-dementia related missing person case. By having this information already compiled it will save precious time and mean that enquiries can be progressed immediately, and tailored to the known details of that person.

“It is hoped the introduction of this protocol will provide a consistency of service across the division, increasing the chances of vulnerable missing persons being found safe and well sooner and provide reassurance for friends and families.”

Sarah Duff, Service Manager at Alzheimer Scotland, said: "If someone with dementia does not return home or has lost their way it’s a distressing time for families so having vital information to hand relieves some of that pressure and helps focus searches on places meaningful to the individual concerned.

"Speed is of the essence. I encourage anyone to get in touch to find out how to complete a form for their loved ones."