Characteristics of missing incidents and risk factors for harm for older people with and without dementia in the UK

BACKGROUND: Despite people with dementia being at increased risk of going missing, we currently have limited knowledge about the factors that increase their exposure to harm during missing incidents. OBJECTIVE: To compare characteristics of missing incidents and associated risk factors for harm in older people with and without dementia reported missing in the UK. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of reported missing incident data from two police forces in England and Wales over an 84-month period (January 2015 to December 2021). RESULTS: A total of 1540 missing incidents involving 1286 people ≥65 years were identified, of which 414 (27%) incidents were dementia-related. In most incidents, people with dementia were reported missing from their own home/neighbourhood, with approximately half being found by the police. Nine percent (n = 39) sustained significant harm, including one death. Older age, going missing at night and prolonged duration of going missing were associated with increased probability of harm. Approximately 14% of people with dementia and 11% of people without dementia experienced at least one repeat missing incident. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the largest to date reporting on missing incidents among older people in the UK. Despite being a low frequency event, missing incidents are associated with significant risk of harm for older people with and without dementia. Preventative and timely interventions to prevent harm associated with missing incidents for those aged over 65 years with or without dementia are urgently needed.