As of 2025, Alzheimer’s disease affects over 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older, with Maryland experiencing one of the highest prevalence rates in the nation. Approximately 12.9% of Maryland residents aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2024 data. This percentage is notably higher than the national average and places Maryland among the states with the highest prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in the United States.
Certain areas in Maryland are particularly impacted. Baltimore City and Prince George’s County rank among the top U.S. counties for Alzheimer’s prevalence, with rates of 16.6% and 16.1% respectively among residents aged 65 and older . Baltimore County also reports a significant rate of 13.1% . These high rates are influenced by demographic factors, including a higher proportion of older adults and communities of color, who are statistically at greater risk for Alzheimer’s.
Understanding Maryland’s Silver Alert Program
In response to the growing number of individuals with cognitive impairments, Maryland established the Silver Alert Program on October 1, 2009. This system is designed to rapidly disseminate information about missing adults suffering from cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, to assist in their safe recovery.
Activation Criteria:
- The missing individual must suffer from a cognitive impairment, including a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
- There must be sufficient descriptive information about the individual and, if applicable, their vehicle, to assist in their recovery.
- The disappearance must pose a credible threat to the individual’s health and safety.
- A local or regional alert must have been activated by contacting media outlets in the jurisdiction.
- The individual must be entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.
In February 2024, the Maryland State Police introduced a multi-tier designation for Silver Alerts:
- Silver Alert: For missing individuals likely traveling in a vehicle.
- Silver Alert Non-Vehicle: For missing individuals likely traveling on foot.
These tiers allow for more tailored dissemination of information, enhancing the effectiveness of the alerts.
Impact on Families and Individuals with Dementia
For families, the Silver Alert Program provides a crucial tool in the event a loved one with dementia goes missing. The rapid dissemination of information increases the chances of a safe recovery, reducing the time the individual is exposed to potential dangers.
For individuals with dementia, the program offers a safety net that acknowledges their vulnerability and mobilizes community resources to protect them. Given that approximately 60% of individuals with dementia will wander at least once, and if not found within 24 hours, up to half may suffer serious injury or death, the importance of such a program is evident.
Conclusion
Maryland’s Silver Alert Program plays a vital role in safeguarding individuals with cognitive impairments and providing peace of mind to their families. As Alzheimer’s disease continues to impact a growing segment of the population, programs like Silver Alert are essential components of a comprehensive public health response. For more information on the program, visit the Maryland Department of State Police.
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