Santa Rosa County sheriff's deputies are crediting Project Lifesaver for helping them locate a missing Alzheimer's patient within one hour Monday.

Donald Middaugh, 80, was located a few miles from his home on Michigan Avenue in Milton and returned safely to his family thanks to the program, said Sgt. Scott Haines of the Sheriff's Office.

"Sheriff's K-9 Deputy Roman Jackson used electronic tracking equipment to locate the man, who has worn an electronic bracelet since his family enrolled him in Project Lifesaver following a similar incident in December 2006," he said.

Project Lifesaver participants wear a transmitting device in a plastic case on their wrist or ankle, said Kristina Robison, executive director of Alzheimer's Family Services, which administers the program in Santa Rosa, Escambia and Okaloosa counties.

"Each transmitter has a unique frequency, so if an Alzheimer's or dementia patient wanders off, law enforcement has a ground receiver that enables them to find that person," she said.

Robison said about 25 people are enrolled locally in the national program. She estimates 10,000 people over age 65 are living with Alzheimer's or dementia in Santa Rosa and Escambia counties.

"We take a picture of the person, gather demographic information and put it into a secure database, which law enforcement has access to," she said. "Law enforcement has the frequency number of the transmitter and can find a person within minutes."

Project Lifesaver has a $50 monthly service fee.

"But, we don't turn anyone away who cannot afford to pay," Robison said.

Haines said they urge families to enroll.

"As the weather turns colder, each saved minute is crucial in averting tragedy."