JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- You've probably seen the signs on the highway that tell you about traffic problems or even emergencies like a missing child. You've probably also seen by now what is called a Silver Alert, which is designed to protect senior citizens suffering from dementia.

"It's incredible how vulnerable those persons can be because of the problems of dementia," said Herb Helsel with the Duval Council on Elder Affairs.

The Florida legislature rolled out the program last year, after the success of the Amber Alerts encouraged lawmakers to expand the program.

Here's how it works: If a person 60 years of age or older disappears and police feel that person may be in danger, a Silver Alert is activated. Officials will notify news media to get the word out to the public. If a vehicle is involved, they'll use the Department of Transportation lighted signs on the highway, hoping to find that person before anything harmful can happen to him or her.

"If they are missing, the assists that the local people can give to law enforcement to help find them can be life-saving," Helsel said.

There are plenty of older Floridians that could be in danger. The Alzheimer's Association says there are more than half a million Alzheimer's patients across the state.

Yvonne Fischer's mother is just 65, but she says she's already in need of special care.

"My mom is 65 and she's in a nursing home and now she's getting dementia, so I think that would be very beneficial for our family."

With the legislature looking for programs to cut, those who work with the elderly hope this program does not end up on the state's chopping block.

Helsel said, "All we can say is that it was decided by the legislature last year. This is a really critical program to assist people."

Sons and daughters hope they can savor every remaining moment with their beloved parents.

"We just had problems with her about four weeks ago. She had a window of time where we were all together and we all were a part of her life and then she went back into her place," said Fischer.

For more information:

http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/MCICSearch/Documents/SilverAlertFAQ.pdf