Week of July 20 - July 26, 2008

Catherine: "It could happen anywhere at any time. A man with Alzheimer's wanders away from home and near a busy road. This time, in this particular case, he was found. Our medical correspondent Peggy Pico shows us how a new tracking device helped to rescue him."

Peggy Pico narrates:

Catherine, the tracking system called Project Lifesaver is based on a small device that is an added safety net for a wide range of people who suffer from memory disorders, everything from Autism to Alzheimer's.

The following is an interview with Arlene and her husband who wears a Project Lifesaver bracelet.

Arlene: "I went out to say something like the Phillies game is on, and he wasn't there."

Arlene's husband knew where he was going, he just didn't know how to get back.

Husband: "I decided, well I'd better start walking back home, but I would take a shortcut."

He's 79 and was diagnosed with Early Alzheimer's.

Project Lifesaver tracking bracelet

Arlene: "I began to panic because in either direction he'd have to cross busy streets. So I took the car and started looking up and down the streets and couldn't find him.

After an hour, she called the police department. And officer Chris Tye with Project Lifesaver began tracking the signal emanating from the bracelet Arlene's husband was wearing.

Officer Tye: "I was really excited to see someone where we made the rescue. He was confused. He told us he didn't know where he was anymore."

It was a year ago that a retired New Jersey State Trooper with Alzheimer's, Gordon Hector, died after he had been missing for nine days. He did not have a tracking bracelet.

Project Lifesaver: "The Hector family has stood behind us and helped us raise a considerable amount of money so that we are able to provide these bracelets to the public at no charge."

For anyone considering getting a tracking bracelet:

Arlene: "Go for it. You can't wait until they wander for the first time."

Husband: "And it worked. Absolutely it worked."

Project Lifesaver devices are not for sale. They are only given out by a non-profit organization that partners with local law-enforcement agencies.

MORE INFORMATION:

Project Lifesaver Website

BY:

Edited by Peter Berger, Alzheimer's Weekly

SOURCE:

NBC San Diego and Project Lifesaver

COPYRIGHT:

© 2008 NBC San Diego. All rights reserved.