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Alzheimer’s Disease

Volume: __ Chapter: ___

______TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT

POLICY AND PROCEDURE

POLICY:

This procedure will assist a police response to incidents involving individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease. This procedure will prove to be helpful to officers in dealing with persons who have Alzheimer’s Disease in a caring and sensitive manner.

PROCEDURE

I.DEFINITION

  1. The most common form of dementing illness, Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive, degenerative disease that attacks the brain causing impaired memory, thinking, and behavior. The person with Alzheimer’s Disease may experience confusion, personality and behavior changes, impaired judgement, difficulty finding words, finishing thoughts, or following directions. It eventually leaves its victims incapable of caring for themselves.
II.RECOGNITION of a PERSON with the DISEASE
  1. There is no obvious or visible characteristics associated with persons with Alzheimer’s Disease.
  1. The quickest and surest way to know that a person suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease is for someone else to have already made the diagnosis.
  1. “Safe Return” bracelets.
  1. Possesses an identification card that identifies their handicap.
  1. Other characteristics.
  1. Confusion and/or disorientation.
  1. Repeated questions.
  1. Inappropriate facial expressions.
  1. Inappropriate dress.
  1. Problems with short term memory.
  1. Problems with language.
  1. Delusions.
  1. Age.

III.DEALING with the MOST COMMON SITUATIONS

  1. Assisting the Wanderer/Lost Patient.
  1. If found wandering, contact the “Safe Return Hotline” at 1-800-572-1122.
  2. Search the N.C.I.C. file.
  1. If reported missing, follow the Missing Person procedure.
  1. Dealing with incidents concerning apparent sexual behavior and or indecent exposures.
  1. For example, when a person is found wandering inappropriately dressed or urinating in public, steps should be taken to return the person to their caregiver without undue commotion.
  1. When in doubt as to the need for the filing of charges and or arrest, contact the ______County Prosecutor’s Office.
  1. Shoplifting.
  1. If agreeable with the storeowner, the merchandise will be returned and the offender will leave the premise’s insuring that they will be returned to their caregiver.
  1. Erratic Driving/Traffic Violations.
  1. To protect the individual and the public, the family or caregiver should be informed of the serious nature of the driving problems.
  1. Suggestions about how to make the person’s vehicle inoperable are usually welcome.
  1. Victimization, False Reports, and Domestic Abuse.
  1. Follow the Domestic Violence Procedure.
  1. STRATEGIES to ASSIST WHEN HANDLING the ABOVE SITUATIONS
  1. Keep the climate “cool”.
  1. Do not “overload”the patient.
  1. If possible, avoid restraints.
  1. Make communications simple.
  1. Use of resources.
  1. Northern New Jersey Chapter. (201) 316-6676.
  1. Central New Jersey Chapter (609) 514-1180.
  1. Southern New Jersey Chapter (609) 346-8883.