Article: published on 19 February 2026
Note: although this template is provided by Greater Manchester Police, it can be used to assist other forces across the UK.
Former detective Rav Wilding
Missing with dementia. What families need to know
- Published
Missing incidents among people with dementia are happening every 13 minutes in the UK, according to the most recent figures.
Research from the University of East Anglia suggests around 70% of people living with dementia will experience at least one missing incident as their condition progresses. Meanwhile, University College London is running a new study examining how and why these incidents occur.
Former detective Rav Wilding joined BBC Morning Live in the studio to set out the practical steps carers can take to plan ahead, including how the Herbert Protocol works, what to do immediately if someone goes missing, and the additional safety measures, from home alerts to ID and tracking technology, which can help protect a loved one while preserving their independence.
Why do people with dementia go missing?
Experts say understanding the reasons behind people going missing is key to prevention.
Dementia can affect memory, orientation and spatial awareness. As areas of the brain involved in navigation and recognising landmarks deteriorate, familiar routes can become confusing.
Researchers have identified patterns in when incidents happen. According to the University of East Anglia study, 75% of dementia related missing incidents occur during routine outings or when someone is asked to wait somewhere.
That means episodes often happen during ordinary daily activities rather than major events or unfamiliar trips.
Families often face a difficult balance between maintaining a person's independence and ensuring their safety. Stopping someone from going out alone can feel restrictive, particularly if walking to the shops or taking a daily stroll has long been part of their routine.
The Herbert Protocol
Police forces across the UK use a nationally recognised scheme known as the Herbert Protocol to help locate vulnerable people more quickly.
The protocol encourages families and carers to complete a form in advance containing key information about the person with dementia. The form is kept safely at home and only handed to police if the person goes missing.
It includes a recent photograph, a physical description, medical details and information about how dementia affects the individual. It also asks for details of places the person has previously visited, former addresses, favourite routes and locations that may have personal significance.
Police say such information can shape search strategies in the crucial early hours.
Officers advise that if someone with dementia is believed to be missing and at risk, families should call 999 immediately. There is no requirement to wait 24 hours before reporting a disappearance.
Herbert Protocol Forms
Note: although this template is provided by Greater Manchester Police, it can be used to assist other forces across the UK.
Additional safety measures
Wearables like medical ID bracelets can be a reliable way of providing contact details for carers of vulnerable people if they find themselves lost.
Alongside the Herbert Protocol, carers are encouraged to consider practical steps to reduce risk.
These can include fitting door sensors or boundary alarms in the home, using identification labels in clothing, and considering medical ID bracelets or pendants with emergency contact details.
Some families choose to use GPS enabled tracking devices. Experts stress the importance of consent where the person has capacity, or ensuring appropriate legal authority is in place where decisions are being made on their behalf.
Community awareness can also play a role. Informing local shops or services that a person with dementia may visit can provide an additional safeguard.
