A new and promising intervention is using trained Alzheimer's dogs to help keep a person from wandering. For example, the dog can help lead the person back home when lost if the person can remember to say "Home" to the dog. The dog will even wake you or another caregiver up when the person gets out of bed.

You'll need a dog with a gentle personality who has both basic obedience and specialized Alzheimer's training. And you'll need a stable, loving environment where you, the caregiver, are the responsible party for taking good care of all the dog's needs.

UPDATE: The only U.S. organization that we know of that trained Alzheimer's dogs is no longer in existence, but be sure to check back frequently as we continually post new services as we are made aware of them.