An innovative location device is being used to help people keep track of patients with dementia.

Mindme is a small GPS locator that has been specially designed for people with Alzheimer's.

It can clip to a belt, hang around the neck or be placed in a bag.

If a person becomes lost, or disorientated, they can be located through a dedicated website.

The device sends details of its location to the website every four minutes, has a battery life of 18 hours, and is the smallest GPS locating device to be launched in the country. Chichester Careline, run by Chichester District Council, is currently the only centre in the country monitoring the devices.

They are able to locate the person if they become lost – regardless of where they are in the world.

Information on the location of the person will only be provided to the carer or family once a series of security checks have been passed.

A spokesman for Mindme said: “We are aware of people with dementia who are kept at home because their families are worried about losing them.

“This technology has been created in response to this and could literally transform their lives.

“It not only helps those with dementia to retain their independence, but it also gives their family the reassurance they need.”Careline manager Brenda Jackson said: “Thousands of people across Sussex have dementia. This solution will give both those with dementia and their families the confidence and reassurance they need.

For more details, call Careline on 01243 778688.

In West Sussex alone, more than 13,200 people have dementia, rising to more than 25,000 for the whole of Sussex.