Missing 80-Year-Old Dementia Patient Found In SW Miami-Dade

MIAMI, FL — An 80-year-old dementia patient has been found after being reported missing in Southwest Miami-Dade. Chalmer Bortz, Sr. had been last seen in the 16700 Block of SW 277 Street on Wednesday, according to Miami-Dade police. He was driving a white 2012 Toyota, Tundra with a Florida disabled veteran's license plate.

"Mr. Bortz was last seen on Nov. 28, 2018, driving the above vehicle when he left his residence at approximately 11:30 a.m," Miami-Dade police said Thursday night.

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Detective Chris Thomas of the Miami-Dade Police Department said Bortz was found safe. He did not have additional details.

Police said Bortz suffers from a form of dementia known as sundowning. According to the Mayo Clinic, the term "sundowning" refers to a state of confusion that occurs from late afternoon into the night.

"Sundowning can cause a variety of behaviors, such as confusion, anxiety, aggression or ignoring directions," the Mayo Clinic explained. "Sundowning can also lead to pacing or wandering."

Photo courtesy Miami-Dade Police Department