Charleston Family Desperately Searching for Missing Loved one with Dementia in Mexico
A Charleston man, Edmond Bradley Solomon III, who recently turned 66, is reported missing in Cozumel, Mexico. Solomon was on a seven-day cruise trip to Mexico with his family when he disappeared last Wednesday. The Family of the missing Charleston man has appealed for local assistance, anticipating that this could be the last vacation they could spend with Solomon given his declining health conditions over the past few months.
Solomon’s Bout with frontotemporal dementia
Solomon suffers from frontotemporal dementia, a form of early onset dementia that brings about significant alterations in behavior, emotions, and personality. He was last seen in the terminal area where their ship had docked for shopping in Cozumel. According to Ashley Hyder, Solomon’s sister-in-law, only a few sightings of Solomon have been reported since his disappearance, including an instance where he ran away when a grocery store owner tried to approach him.
Risks and Care for Individuals with Dementia
Medical University of South Carolina Neuroscience professor, Dr. Heather Boger explained that wandering is a common issue among individuals suffering from dementia. She advises that if anyone spots a missing person who may have dementia, they should not directly approach the person, but rather alert law enforcement, continue following the individual and stay on the phone with the authorities until they arrive.
Emphasizing on the importance of advance tracking systems, Dr. Boger recommends the use of tracking devices for dementia patients and the need to secure their living area to restrict access to potentially harmful objects. She urged caregivers and families to be patient, understanding and proactive in recognizing warning signs, thus enabling proper care and attention for the individual.
Additional Tips for Keeping Dementia Patients Safe
Don Bagwell, dementia consultant with Trident Area Agency on Aging, agreed with Dr. Boger’s points regarding the common occurrence of wandering among dementia patients, and the importance of safety as a primary concern. While acknowledging the usefulness of GPS and technology devices, he cautioned that they might offer a false sense of security due to their limitations.
Unfortunately, Solomon was equipped with a tracker that only works with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which stopped functioning around two hours into the search. Hyder regrets not having a GPS tracker instead, which she believes could’ve significantly expedited the search for Solomon.
Solomon’s Legacy and the Continuing Search
Speaking through tears, Hyer described Solomon as a loving man who adored his wife, Mimi. As efforts to locate Solomon continue, Hyer asked the local community to join them in prayer for Solomon’s safe return.
Additional resources and further information on keeping loved ones with dementia safe, can be reached through the MUSC’s Memory Disorders Clinic.
FBI Columbia spokesman Kevin Wheeler acknowledged the missing person report and informed that they are in coordination with Mexican authorities. He however refrained from ongoing operational details. U.S. State Department, in a released statement on Tuesday, reassured that the welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad remains their highest priority and they are actively engaged with the local authorities in search efforts. The statement also shared that the Department is monitoring the situation and stands ready to offer consular assistance if required.
As this concern continues to unfold, HERE News Network continues to follow the situation closely, striving to bring any crucial updates to its readers regarding the ongoing search by family and friends for Edmond Bradley Solomon III.
