(CAMDEN) -- The Camden County Office of the Sheriff and the Camden County Division of Senior & Disabled Citizens Services are offering the caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s Disease, and related dementia disorders which cause confusion and memory impairment, peace of mind with the launching of “Project Lifesaver.”

Individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementia disorders are at risk of becoming lost due to memory and cognitive changes that occur as part of the disease. Participants in the Project Lifesaver Program wear a one-ounce battery-operated radio wrist transmitter that emits a tracking signal every second, 24 hours a day. The signal can be tracked on the ground for one mile or in the air for five miles.

“Locating the missing and wandering is one of our most challenging jobs,” said Sheriff Charles Billingham. “With Project Lifesaver, we have increased our ability to provide the family with quick and positive results.”

How Project Lifesaver Works:

Each wristband emits a unique pulse-carrier wave radio frequency tracking signal. When a participant is reported missing, a specially trained search-and-rescue team from the Office of the Sheriff responds to the wanderer’s area with the mobile locator tracking system. In areas where this system has been used, search times have been reduced from hours and days to minutes, which can mean the difference between life and death.

It is a well-known fact about 60 percent of people with Alzheimer’s wander at some point during their illness, This technology helps families deal with the never-ending fear the person may wander and be unable to find their way home.

The Camden County Freeholder Board has committed $35,000 to the Project Lifesaver Program to assist financially challenged families to obtain a wristband

“The project will more than pay for itself in the reduction of hours and resources required to conduct a search and rescue, not to mention the peace of mind we are able to provide the families of the participants,” said Sheriff Billingham.

• Anyone who has a friend or relative with Alzheimer's Disease, (where a loved one might be prone to wander away) who is interested in the Project Lifesaver Program can contact the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services at (877) 222-3737 or the .

• Bracelets are available to indigent clients who qualify.