UPDATE: As of 6:08 p.m. on Saturday, Portland Police reported that Marsha King was located safe at a local hospital.
ORIGINAL: The Portland Police Bureau was asking for the public’s assistance in locating Marsha King, a 72-year-old woman who went missing from her care facility in the Centennial neighborhood.
King is described as a Caucasian female who stands 5’4″ tall and weighs 200 pounds.
She has salt and pepper hair, walks with a hunched back, and was last seen dressed in a turquoise blouse, brown jeans, and black shoes, according to authorities.
Authorities stated that King has dementia symptoms and is easily confused, but she may seek assistance.
Alzheimer’s advocacy organizations, including the Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Society, have issued guidelines on how to approach a missing person with dementia.
The groups emphasize the need of approaching such people with care and understanding, and they provide practical recommendations for those who come across someone in need.
Some suggestions include going close enough to hear each other and creating eye contact, but not so close that you infringe on their personal space, thus making them feel intimidated.
The groups also recommend keeping comfortable and open body language, speaking softly and slowly, and using basic words.
It is also recommended that you gather important information, such as a physical description and medical history, that you can give to authorities if you lose sight of the person.
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