Alzheimer’s sufferer found

VAIL — A Vail man who has Alzheimer's disease was found unhurt Monday almost 24 hours after he disappeared from his home.

Jeffrey Treneer Nicholls, 67, was found lying in bushes near a trail that extends from the end of Bald Mountain Road in East Vail, said Kris Friel, a town spokeswoman. A volunteer searcher found the man at about 10:15 a.m. about 200 to 300 yards from the end of the road, authorities said.

Nicholls had apparently spent the night at that spot, less than a mile from his home, Friel said.

The man wandered from his Manns Ranch Road home at about noon Sunday. Vail Police, with help from the Vail Mountain Rescue Group and the Vail Fire Department, searched the area Sunday into Monday morning until about 1:30 a.m. The search resumed Monday morning with assistance from about 100 volunteers.

Authorities put out an alert with Nicholls' description Sunday. Reverse 911 calls to area residents were also used.

Alzheimer’s disease, which affects as many as 5 million Americans, destroys brain cells, causing memory, thinking and behavioral problems.

The disease affects sufferers more severely over time and is fatal, according to the Alzheimers Association.

Staff Writer Edward Stoner can be reached at 748-2929 or estoner@vaildaily.com.