Police have issued a Silver Alert for a missing 61-year-old woman from East Patchogue who may be in the early stages of dementia.

Marie Merto was last seen sleeping at her home on La Bonne Vie Drive on Friday, July 1 around 7 a.m. Detectives say they believe she left in her tan 1997 Buick LeSabre with New York license plate GAM-9224.

Merto is described as standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing approximately 120 pounds. She has blue eyes, short brown hair and dentures.

Anyone with information on Merto's whereabouts is asked to call Fifth Squad detectives at 631-854-8552 or to call 911.

The Silver Alert program helps law enforcement agencies share information about missing individuals with special needs.