The Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) has issued a Silver Alert for a 71-year-old woman who has been reported missing from her home in West Valley City. The alert was activated early Saturday morning, prompting local authorities to intensify their search efforts, as the case raises concerns about the safety of vulnerable adults. The missing woman, identified as Clara Thompson, was last seen at approximately 8:00 AM on Friday, October 6, 2023. Clara is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighing around 150 pounds, with short gray hair and brown eyes. She was reportedly wearing a blue jacket, black pants, and glasses at the time of her disappearance. Friends and family members have expressed deep concern, stating that Clara suffers from early stages of dementia, which may hinder her ability to navigate her surroundings or communicate effectively. "We are all just very worried about her. She has never gone missing like this before," said her son, Michael Thompson, during an interview outside the family home. "We know she loves to walk around the neighborhood, but she usually always comes back. This time, we just don’t know." Local law enforcement officials have mobilized a team to assist in the search efforts, which include foot patrols and aerial surveillance. Officers from the West Valley City Police Department, along with volunteers from community organizations, are scouring parks, public spaces, and nearby residential areas where Clara may have wandered. In addition to ground searches, the police have distributed flyers and utilized social media platforms to spread the word about Clara's disappearance. Community members are urged to remain vigilant and to report any sightings or potential leads to the authorities. The DPS has emphasized that the cooperation of the public is critical in these situations, particularly when the missing person is an elderly individual with cognitive impairments. Silver Alerts are issued in Utah when a vulnerable adult, such as someone suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, goes missing. The program aims to quickly disseminate information to the public to facilitate a swift recovery. As of now, Clara's family has expressed gratitude for the community support, with many residents joining the search efforts. "It’s heartwarming to see how many people care and are willing to help, even if they don’t know her personally," Michael added. The search for Clara Thompson highlights a growing concern regarding the safety of elderly individuals in the community. According to the National Institute on Aging, millions of older adults are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, which can increase their risk of becoming lost. In Utah, the number of individuals diagnosed with these conditions has been steadily rising, underscoring the importance of community awareness and proactive measures. Family members are urged to take precautions for their loved ones with cognitive impairments, such as providing them with identification that includes emergency contact information. Additionally, local organizations advocate for the implementation of tracking devices, which can aid in locating individuals who may wander away from home. As the day progressed, search efforts continued with no updates on Clara's whereabouts. Authorities remain hopeful that she will be found safe and sound, but as time passes, the urgency of the situation grows. The community's involvement has been instrumental thus far, and officials are calling on anyone with information to come forward. The Silver Alert remains active, and the public is encouraged to stay alert and vigilant. Anyone with tips or sightings related to Clara Thompson's case is asked to contact the West Valley City Police Department at (801) 965-5000. Every moment counts in these critical situations, and community efforts can make a significant difference in ensuring the safe return of vulnerable individuals. In conclusion, the case of Clara Thompson serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by families caring for elderly loved ones with cognitive impairments. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement, community members, and local organizations are vital in addressing these challenges, ensuring that vulnerable adults can be located and returned to their families safely. As the search continues, the hope remains that Clara will soon be reunited with her family, safe and sound.