The Orange Police Department is asking for the community’s assistance in locating Romelia Hurtado, an 80-year-old at-risk missing person.
She was last seen last night at approximately 6:30 p.m. in the area of E. Almond and S. Solana Dr.
If you have seen Romelia or have any information about her whereabouts, please contact the Orange Police Department at 714-744-7444 or call 911 in an emergency.
Hurtado has both dementia and Alzheimer’s. She predominantly speaks Spanish.
Your help could bring Hurtado home safely.
How Often Do Seniors with Dementia or Alzheimer’s Go Missing in California?
While exact California-specific numbers are limited, national data provides insight:
- 6 in 10 people with dementia will wander at least once during the course of the disease, and many will do so repeatedly.
- Alzheimer’s and dementia affect over 7 million Americans aged 65+, and this number is rising rapidly.
- Wandering is considered one of the most dangerous behaviors associated with dementia because it can lead to injury or death if the person is not found quickly.
California uses Silver Alerts for missing seniors with cognitive impairments, and these alerts are activated frequently due to the high prevalence of dementia among older adults.