Kansas City, Kansas, January 19, 2026
The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department has issued a SILVER Alert for a missing woman diagnosed with dementia. Authorities are pleading with the public to be vigilant and report any information that could help locate her. The woman’s specific details have not been disclosed, but her condition raises concern for her safety. The community’s assistance is critical for her safe return, as individuals with dementia are particularly vulnerable when missing.
Kansas City, Kansas
The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department (KCKPD) issued a SILVER Alert on Sunday afternoon, January 18, 2026, for a missing woman with dementia. Authorities are urging the public to be vigilant and report any information that could assist in locating her.
Urgent Search Underway for Vulnerable Individual
The KCKPD activated the SILVER Alert due to the woman’s diagnosis of dementia, which makes her particularly vulnerable and at high risk if she is alone. The alert signifies the urgent need for community assistance in finding her safely. Details regarding the missing woman’s name, age, last known whereabouts beyond Kansas City, Kansas, or a specific description of her appearance or clothing at the time of her disappearance have not been broadly released in initial public announcements.
The public is strongly encouraged to contact the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department immediately if they have seen the missing woman or have any information that could lead to her safe return. Every piece of information, no matter how small, can be crucial in cases involving vulnerable individuals. Swift action from the community often plays a vital role in the successful resolution of such alerts.
Understanding SILVER Alerts: A Critical Tool for Public Safety
A SILVER Alert is a specialized public notification system used to broadcast information about missing adults, particularly senior citizens or individuals with cognitive impairments like dementia. The system is comparable to an Amber Alert but focuses on vulnerable adults. The activation of a SILVER Alert in Kansas aims to rapidly disseminate critical information to the public, including details about the missing person, their last known location, and any vehicles they might be associated with. This wide distribution helps enlist the public’s help in locating individuals who may be disoriented, unable to communicate effectively, or in need of medical attention. (State-level)
Across the United States, SILVER Alerts serve a vital function in protecting vulnerable populations. (Nationwide) The criteria for issuing a SILVER Alert typically include that the missing person is an adult, often a senior, who has a cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, and whose disappearance poses a credible threat to their health and safety. (Nationwide) The goal is to leverage community awareness to increase the chances of a safe and timely recovery. The urgency associated with these alerts stems from the severe risks that missing individuals with dementia face, including exposure to harsh weather, inability to find food or water, and danger from traffic or other environmental hazards. (Nationwide)
The Impact of Dementia on Missing Persons
Individuals living with dementia often experience confusion, disorientation, and impaired judgment, making them particularly susceptible to getting lost. If a person with dementia wanders away from a familiar environment, they may not remember their name, address, or how to ask for help. This significantly elevates the danger of their situation, especially if they are not found quickly. The first few hours are often the most critical in these cases, as the longer a person with dementia is missing, the greater the risk of serious injury or even death. (Nationwide) Public awareness and rapid response are paramount to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected by such disappearances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened in Kansas City, Kansas, on Sunday afternoon, January 18, 2026?
The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department (KCKPD) issued a SILVER Alert for a missing woman with dementia.
Who issued the SILVER Alert?
The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department (KCKPD) issued the SILVER Alert.
When was the SILVER Alert issued?
The SILVER Alert was issued on Sunday afternoon, January 18, 2026.
What is a SILVER Alert?
A SILVER Alert is a specialized public notification system used to broadcast information about missing adults, particularly senior citizens or individuals with cognitive impairments like dementia. (Nationwide)
Why are SILVER Alerts issued for individuals with dementia?
SILVER Alerts are issued for individuals with dementia because their condition makes them particularly vulnerable and at high risk if they are alone, often experiencing confusion, disorientation, and impaired judgment. (Nationwide)
What should the public do if they have information regarding a SILVER Alert?
The public is strongly encouraged to contact the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department immediately if they have seen the missing woman or have any information that could lead to her safe return.
Key Features of a SILVER Alert
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To rapidly disseminate information about missing vulnerable adults, especially seniors or those with cognitive impairments. | Nationwide |
| Target Group | Adults, often seniors, with cognitive impairments such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. | Nationwide |
| Triggering Condition | Missing person has a cognitive impairment and their disappearance poses a credible threat to their health and safety. | Nationwide |
| Issuing Authority (in this case) | Kansas City, Kansas Police Department (KCKPD) | Local (Kansas City, Kansas) |
| Primary Goal | Leverage public awareness to increase the chances of a safe and timely recovery. | Nationwide |
| Public Action Required | Contact law enforcement immediately with any relevant information. | Nationwide |
Now Happening on X
- @KFOR (January 19, 2026, 7:32 AM): A deadly Sunday after multiple shootings across the metro area in Kansas City. View on X
- @Gunner (MoonRazor6) (January 19, 2026, 7:42 AM): Criticizes Kansas City as a corrupt and crime-ridden sanctuary city under Mayor Quinton Lucas and Police Chief Stacy Graves. View on X
- @kmbc (January 19, 2026, 9:42 PM the previous day): Kansas City firefighters battled a vacant house fire, with a neighboring home damaged. View on X
- @KCTV5 (January 16, 2026, 9:00 PM the previous day): Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas wants answers after a neighborhood fight leaves a man dead, calling for an investigation. View on X
- @KSHB41 (January 15, 2026, 8:30 PM the previous day): 48 hours after a fatal neighbor dispute in the Northland, Mayor Quinton Lucas confirms an investigation into the incident. View on X
- @fox4kc (January 16, 2026, 11:34 PM the previous day): Community members voiced concerns over break-ins, vandalism, homelessness, and violence along East 12th Street in Kansas City at a church meeting. View on X
- @fox4kc (January 15, 2026, 10:34 AM the previous day): Kansas City police are investigating an early-morning shooting that left a woman with life-threatening injuries. View on X
- @KansasCity (January 15, 2026, 6:31 PM the previous day): Service updates for icy roads, canceled bulky item pickup, and on-schedule trash collection in Kansas City amid winter weather. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Single-Vehicle Rollover Accident in Kansas City
Concerns Rise as Missing Persons Cases Emerge in Kansas City
New Era Dawns: Wicky Takes Reins at Sporting KC
Tragic Death of 13-Year-Old Boy in Kansas Linked to Dog Attack
Kansas City Police Investigate Double Homicides
UMKC Student Enriches Retirement Community through Music
Search Underway for Missing Man in Independence
Phil LeVota Appointed Interim Jackson County Executive
Kansas City Police Issue Endangered SILVER Advisory for Missing Man
Kay Barnes Appointed as Temporary Jackson County Executive
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
