The family of an elderly Cuban man, Miguel Sosa, is urgently seeking assistance to find him after he has been missing from his home for 18 days. The senior, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease, was last seen almost three weeks ago. His granddaughter, Naira Caballero, has turned to social media in a public appeal to locate her grandfather, who was last spotted at his residence in Centro Habana, though he typically resides in Jaimanitas, Playa Municipality.
"My family has been searching for my grandfather for about 18 days. His name is Miguel Sosa, and he has Alzheimer's. If anyone sees him or has seen him, please call the numbers 55384209, 58941656, or 50982900. He is not aggressive and enjoys talking. We would be very grateful if you found him," Naira posted on Facebook.
The case of Miguel Sosa highlights a growing concern, as it is one of numerous reports submitted to authorities and shared on social media, pointing to an increase in missing persons, particularly elderly individuals with mental health issues.
Challenges in Managing Alzheimer's in Cuba
The situation is exacerbated by the shortage of essential medications needed to manage these conditions, making it difficult for those affected to receive the appropriate treatment necessary to prevent episodes of disorientation and memory loss.
Many families resort to social media to report missing loved ones due to the perceived inadequacy of the authorities in initiating searches for these individuals.
Understanding the Crisis of Missing Persons in Cuba
What steps should be taken if a person with Alzheimer's goes missing in Cuba?
It is crucial to quickly alert local authorities and use social media to spread the word, providing detailed descriptions and contact information. Community involvement can be vital in locating the missing person.
Why is there an increase in missing elderly people in Cuba?
The increase is largely attributed to a lack of necessary medications and support systems to adequately manage mental health conditions like Alzheimer's, coupled with insufficient response from authorities.