The knowledge of good and evil is also what let us rise above simple base instincts.

Given the choice between blissful ignorance, and the ability to improve, I would take the latter every time. Even with its costs.

The fact that Americans can’t trust your police for things like this is insane. In most developed countries, the police dealing with a lost and confused individual is a bread and butter call. Alzheimer’s patients are notorious escape artists.

In the UK it’s generally a calm, polite offer of a cup of tea etc. Followed by a ride to hospital, their carer, or the station to identify them.

The language barrier would be an initial problem, but they are set up to deal with that, when it arises.