Wandering in Dementia: Understanding When It Happens
Wandering is one of the most common and challenging behaviors that people with dementia experience. If you or a loved one is dealing with dementia, understanding when wandering typically occurs can help you prepare and respond appropriately.
The middle stages of dementia are when wandering behavior is most likely to start.[5] This is an important time to recognize because it means the condition has progressed beyond the earliest phases but the person still has some ability to move around independently.
In stage 3, which is called mild cognitive impairment, people begin to show more obvious memory problems. They frequently misplace items and can get lost when traveling to familiar places.[1] This is often when families first notice something is wrong. A person might take a wrong turn driving to a church they have attended for 30 years, or they might become disoriented in their own neighborhood.[2] They may also have trouble following recipes they have made hundreds of times or forget where they are even in familiar settings.[2]
As dementia progresses to stage 6, which is the severe stage, wandering becomes even more pronounced. At this point, spatial memory slips away, which means the person can wander out of familiar rooms or even outdoors without realizing where they are.[1] The person may set out somewhere and forget the destination, or leave home and become lost.[2]
Why does wandering happen? Understanding the cause is the first step to managing it safely. Wandering often occurs because people have unmet needs like feeling bored, uncomfortable, hungry, or needing to use the bathroom.[3] Addressing these needs proactively can make a big difference. Ensuring the person is physically comfortable, offering regular meals and hydration, and helping with toileting needs can reduce the urge to wander.[3]
When wandering does happen, gentle redirection and reassurance are essential tools.[3] Safety measures like having the person carry identification and developing emergency plans are also important.[3] Monitoring during high-risk times and avoiding confusing environments can further reduce risks.[3] Creating safe walking paths with interesting points to explore and places to rest encourages controlled wandering within the home or facility.[3] Establishing consistent daily routines, especially calming bedtime routines, can reduce anxiety and nighttime wandering.[3]
It is important to remember that each person is unique, so tailoring these strategies to individual needs is key. Working with healthcare professionals ensures that interventions are respectful and effective while supporting independence and keeping your loved ones safe.
Sources
https://www.care.com/c/stages-of-dementia/
https://alpinefireside.com/2025/10/23/early-dementia-when-memory-care/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97TrQB7sEHQ
https://www.psychdb.com/geri/dementia/1-bpsd
https://www.dementiacarecentral.com/caregiverinfo/aggression/
https://optoceutics.com/sudden-worsening-of-dementia-symptoms-signs-getting-sudden-alzheimer/
https://www.aegisliving.com/the-stages-of-caregiving-the-changes-you-will-face-with-dementia-2/
