Silver Alerts No Longer Just for the Elderly

Effective August 6, 2016, the Arizona Legislature recently expanded the Silver Alert notification system to encompass not only missing adults over age 65, but also any person who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia.  (See SB 1196, reforming A.R.S. § 41-1728)  This is a system operated by the Arizona Department of Public Safety to notify the public of missing older adults.  The reasoning for the expansion is obvious: Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia occurs not just among the elderly.  Sadly, this is a sign that health professionals are finding Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia striking an increasing number of younger adults, as well.