Atlanta, Georgia — Authorities are searching for an elderly woman who has gone missing in the Buckhead area, prompting urgent concern from both law enforcement and the local community. The woman, aged 86, was last seen walking alone near Peachtree Road NW shortly after 7:05 p.m. on Thursday evening.
According to police reports, she resides at Canterbury Court, a senior living facility located only a short distance from where she was last spotted. The missing woman is known to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that can cause disorientation, memory loss, and confusion about time and place. Officials fear that she may be wandering without realizing she is lost.
Authorities say the disappearance occurred under conditions that make her particularly vulnerable. The Buckhead area is known for its busy streets and heavy evening traffic, which pose additional dangers for someone who may not be fully aware of her surroundings. Residents and business owners in the vicinity have been asked to check their surveillance cameras for any footage that may assist investigators.
Police have issued a regional alert to nearby districts, urging anyone who sees an elderly woman walking alone to immediately contact 911 or the Atlanta Police Department. Officers emphasized that individuals should not attempt to move her but instead stay nearby and wait for authorities to arrive. Because of her cognitive condition, she may not respond to questions or follow verbal instructions.
Family members and caregivers have expressed deep worry, explaining that the woman’s Alzheimer’s symptoms have recently worsened. Her past life in North Carolina has been mentioned as a factor contributing to her confusion; she may still believe she is living there and could attempt to find familiar landmarks that no longer exist in her current surroundings.
Search efforts are being coordinated by local police, assisted by community volunteers and staff from the senior facility. Flyers with her photograph and a description of her clothing at the time she disappeared have been distributed throughout the neighborhood. Law enforcement officers are also reviewing nearby bus and security footage for any trace of her movements after she was last seen.
Authorities have also advised the public to remain vigilant in parks, parking lots, and wooded areas, as individuals with Alzheimer’s sometimes seek quiet or secluded spaces when disoriented. The temperature in Atlanta dropped after sunset, adding urgency to the ongoing search, as prolonged exposure to cooler weather could pose health risks.
Neighbors and residents have expressed empathy and concern, noting that Canterbury Court is a close-knit community where many seniors live independently with support. “Everyone here is deeply worried,” said one resident. “We’re checking every corner, hoping she’s safe and will be found soon.”
Local organizations that specialize in dementia care have also stepped in, offering guidance on how to safely approach and comfort individuals experiencing cognitive distress. They remind the public to speak calmly, use simple words, and avoid sudden movements that could cause fear or confusion.
As the search continues, police remain hopeful for a safe reunion. They urge anyone with even the slightest bit of information to come forward, emphasizing that every detail could make a difference. The community waits anxiously for news, united in concern for the missing woman’s safety and praying she is found unharmed.
