Missing Alzheimer's, Dementia & Autism Research Powered by MissingPatient.com

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - A new Mississippi law will set up a Silver Alert system to notify the public and the authorities when an elderly person or someone with dementia or other cognitive impairment goes missing.

Governor Haley Barbour signed a bill Wednesday, and it becomes law July 1st.

The Silver Alert would be similar to the Amber Alert, which notifies law enforcement officers and the public when a child is missing.

After a family member or caretaker reports the person missing, law enforcement agencies will be able to request a Silver Alert activation. The Department of Public Safety's Bureau of Investigation will activate the alert.

The Silver Alert will use the existing Amber Alert infrastructure.