In January, searchers combed the woods near Lumberport looking for a 66-year-old Alzheimer's patient. His body was found over a month later.

Also in January, searchers spent several days looking for a 91-year-old man who wondered off in Ritchie County. His body was found several days later.

Last month, sheriff's deputies in Taylor County spent two days searching for a 75-year-old man.

Now, senior care officials say this is a trend that may not go away.

Currently, Dwight Davisson, 62, is recovering in the hospital just day after he went missing in Clarksburg. Family members say although he has diabetes, it is not like him to wander off.

"I would venture to say we have more missing elderly calls than we do kids," said Harrison County Chief Deputy, Albert Marano.

Matt Norris, a family friend, found Davisson lying in a creek behind Town House West Motel on Sunday evening.

Davisson joins the ranks of senior citizens that have gone missing in recent months. Cindy Freeman, with the Harrison County Senior Center says its not uncommon, especially because West Virginia is aging at the rate of 27,000 seniors a year.

Seniors, especially those in their 80's, are more susceptible to conditions like dementia which cause them to wander off or become confused, she said.

"If you have an individual who is forgetful, more than in the past, they should have a medical examination," Freeman said.

Elderly caregivers can follow a few steps like checking the senior's medication, refrigerator and cupboards for adequate supplies to help keep tabs on their well being.

However, if a loved one should go missing, Freeman says its best to contact authorities and have a plan of action.