The purpose of a Silver Alert is primarily to protect which group of individuals?

A Silver Alert is specifically designed to assist in locating individuals, particularly seniors, who have dementia or Alzheimer's disease when they go missing. These alerts respond to the unique vulnerabilities and circumstances surrounding individuals with cognitive impairments that affect their mental state and ability to navigate safely.

The program is crucial because individuals with these conditions may become disoriented and unable to find their way back home, putting them at greater risk of danger. Law enforcement agencies use Silver Alerts to quickly disseminate information to the public, enabling communities to join in the search efforts and increase the chances of a safe recovery.

While the other choices mention groups that may also need protection—like children or those with general mental health issues—Silver Alerts are uniquely tailored to address the specific challenges faced by individuals with dementia or Alzheimer's. This distinction is important for ensuring that the right resources are mobilized effectively when these individuals go missing.