Desperate Search Underway for Missing 84-Year-Old Maria Dolores Arias in Sarasota, FL, Amid Concerns for Her Safety Due to Severe Dementia
Sarasota, FL – A desperate search is currently underway for 84-year-old Maria Dolores Arias, who was reported missing on the afternoon of April 2, 2025. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is actively seeking the public’s help in locating Arias, who has severe dementia, making her disappearance especially concerning.
Arias was last seen around 3:00 p.m. near the intersection of Somerville Drive and Beneva Road in Sarasota, Florida. According to authorities, Arias may be disoriented and unable to find her way back home due to her cognitive condition. The elderly woman’s family and law enforcement officials are deeply worried about her safety, as she has been known to wander off when confused, a common symptom of advanced dementia.
Description of Maria Dolores Arias
Arias is described as a Hispanic female standing 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing approximately 180 pounds. She has black and white hair and brown eyes. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a blue shirt, black pants, and was carrying a purse. Law enforcement officials have emphasized the importance of identifying her as quickly as possible to ensure her safe return.
The Search Effort
The search for Maria Dolores Arias has involved a significant effort from local authorities. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with local volunteer search teams, has been conducting thorough searches of nearby neighborhoods and wooded areas, but as of now, there have been no confirmed sightings of Arias. The department has deployed officers and search dogs to canvass the area, hoping to locate any clues that may lead to her whereabouts.
Officials have asked residents in and around Sarasota to check their properties, including sheds, garages, and vehicles, to see if Arias may have sought refuge somewhere nearby. Authorities are also urging people to keep an eye out for her in public spaces such as shopping centers, parks, and places that may be familiar to her.
In addition to physical searches, local law enforcement has also issued a missing persons alert across regional and national networks. This has led to an outpouring of community support, with people sharing the missing persons flyer on social media in an effort to spread the word as far and wide as possible.
The Role of the Public
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have seen Maria Dolores Arias, or who may have information regarding her whereabouts, to immediately contact them at 941-861-5800. Residents are also encouraged to call 911 if they spot her or have any relevant information, no matter how small it may seem.
While many in the community are offering their help in the search, some have expressed concern over the growing number of elderly individuals going missing in similar circumstances. Many have pointed to the increasing awareness of dementia-related disappearances and the critical role that quick community action can play in finding missing elderly people.
One concerned local resident, Marissa O’Neal, shared her thoughts on the situation: “I have family members who suffer from dementia, and it really hits close to home. I’m praying for Ms. Arias, and I hope that the community can help bring her back home safely.”
Recent Trends and Concerns for Elderly Safety
The case of Maria Dolores Arias comes amidst a troubling pattern of similar incidents across the country. As the number of elderly people with dementia and other cognitive impairments continues to rise, authorities are facing increasing challenges in keeping them safe. Elderly individuals who suffer from memory loss or disorientation often wander off without being able to remember where they live or how to find their way home. In some cases, this leads to tragic outcomes, as these individuals are sometimes found days later, suffering from exhaustion or other health issues.
Recent media reports have highlighted other cases in which elderly individuals with dementia went missing, prompting widespread concern about their safety. In one high-profile case from December 2024, an 84-year-old woman with poor eyesight and memory loss was found safe after a Mattie’s Call was issued in Georgia. Yet in another instance from Pennsylvania, an elderly woman was discovered dead after being reported missing from a senior living facility, further underscoring the urgency of the issue.
Experts argue that communities need to increase efforts to protect those with dementia and ensure they are well monitored. Some have suggested that local authorities and family members should work together to implement additional measures such as GPS tracking devices or more frequent check-ins for elderly individuals living alone.
A Call for Vigilance and Community Support
The search for Maria Dolores Arias serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of elderly individuals living with cognitive impairments. As the investigation continues, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is urging everyone in the area to stay vigilant and report any sightings of Arias or other elderly individuals who may be wandering.
In an effort to raise awareness, the Sheriff’s Office has also shared tips on keeping seniors safe at home, including installing door alarms, having family members or caregivers regularly check on elderly relatives, and encouraging the use of identification bracelets or medical alert systems.
For now, the focus remains on finding Maria Dolores Arias and ensuring her safe return to her family. The Sarasota community has rallied around the search, and many residents are hoping for a positive outcome in the coming days.