Tragedies such as the disappearance of Fiona Wills could be prevented with a tracking device for Alzheimer's sufferers, police say.
Hawke's Bay police said there had been an increase in the number of cases where Alzheimer's sufferers have wandered from their homes, with four search and rescue call-outs recently.
Mrs Wills 77, went missing from her Te Pohue family property in December, after going out to feed the chooks one evening.
Despite extensive searches by police, LandSAR, family and friends and locals, there has been no sign of her.
A memorial will be held for her on Saturday, March 14, at Trelinnoe Gardens.
"Even though she had excellent full-time care, tragedies such as this can still occur," Constable Blair Pryce said.