Missing with dementia: The development of a Global Observatory to improve future research and care
This study will address challenges of missing persons with dementia through data collection and analysis, aiding countries in developing strategies and interventions to reduce harm and recurrence.
Over 55 million people globally live with dementia, and up to 70% may go missing at least once—some multiple times. These incidents are deeply distressing for individuals and families and can lead to serious harm or mortality. As dementia rates rise, societies face growing challenges in preventing and responding to missing incidents.
Data on missing incidents is lacking accuracy due to unclear reporting pathways and limited access to police records. Despite years of research, there is little knowledge on the global prevalence, nature of harm, or how support systems operate across sectors. Most countries lack standardised guidelines and effective interventions to prevent repeated incidents or reduce harm.
The UCL Global Observatory aims to enhance cross-national learning to better understand and address missing incidents in dementia. Its long-term goal is to develop strategies for prevention, standardized reporting, and safer communities. The project includes three core work packages (WPs).
WP1: Launch a Global Observatory website to connect international researchers—including those in low- and middle-income countries—for data collection and analysis, guided by a Global Task Force of experts and people with lived experience.
WP2: Identify global challenges like reporting barriers and care differences and conduct the first systematic review on the prevalence and impact of missing dementia incidents to inform guidelines.
WP3: Promote the Observatory via a UCL media campaign and share findings at an International Symposium to foster collaboration and shape future research.
If you are interested in sharing your experiences with us or joining the network, please get in touch with Dr. Phuong Leung at phuong.leung@ucl.ac.uk for more information.
Our partner organisations
University of Waterloo: Professor Lili Liu, Dr Christine Daum; Assistant Professor and Dr Antonio Miguel-Cruz
National Cheng Kung University: Professor Ming-Chyi Pai
Queensland University of Technology: Dr Margaret MacAndrew; Associate Professor
