Experts say recent Silver Alerts show how managing dementia has become harder during pandemic

EL PASO, Texas -- Within the past week, two Silver Alerts have been issued by El Paso County law enforcement agencies, both for elderly individuals suffering from dementia.

The body of Martha Arrieta, 89, was found on Tuesday, which was less than a week after an alert was issued for her disappearance. She suffered from dementia.

On Wednesday, another alert was issued for William Glenn Lee, 77, who also suffers from dementia. That alert was cancelled Thursday after Lee was located in the early morning by officers conducting a welfare check at a truck stop in Amarillo.

The director of programs and services for the West Texas Alzheimer's Association told ABC-7 that people with dementia tend to wander during the mid-to-late stages of dementia.

"Many times they are trying to retrace their steps back home, to the home they remember as a child," said David Hernandez.

Hernandez added that it's already tough enough to care for a loved one with dementia, but now it's grown harder during the coronavirus pandemic.

In-person visits are no longer allowed, so checks-ups and communication is done virtually.

Hernandez said since this is a new way of communication, there is hesitation. Plus, not everyone has access to technology.

"They just have a phone and they can only call in, which limits the clinician from giving a thorough consultation," Hernandez said.

The Alzheimer's Association is doing weekly webinars to help families navigate through the pandemic.