Condition of Alzheimer’s Victim Upgraded to Fair

The condition of Paul Peterson, an Alzheimer’s victim who was found in Tijuana after being missing for nearly two weeks, has been upgraded from serious to fair, hospital officials said Tuesday.

They cautioned, however, that Peterson remains on a dialysis machine at Scripps Memorial Hospital in Chula Vista because of kidney problems. Hospital spokeswoman Diana C. Lucero said Peterson, 56, is still suffering from a blood infection called cellulitis, an inflammation of the cellular tissue, and his right knee remains swollen.

Lucero said Peterson, a victim of the degenerative disorder that affects memory, was awake but remained in bed.

Leah Saunders, 23, who with her family has visited her father throughout the week, said he still appeared disoriented but was able to recognize family members. “He is still not really aware of what’s happening,” she said.

A San Diego truck driver, T.J. Shelley, found Peterson shoeless and suffering from severe exposure huddled at the foot of a bridge on Friday afternoon. Shelley called the San Diego Police Department, and a detective based in Tijuana was alerted. After a brief search, the detective found Peterson and took him to the U.S. Customs Service at the border.

On Friday, he was reported in serious condition, and family members indicated that he may not have lived another day had he not been found.

Saunders said Shelley had indicated that he would not take the $1,500 reward offered by the family because he felt proud to have been able to contribute to Peterson’s safe return.

However, Shelley accepted the reward after Lydia Peterson, the victim’s wife, insisted that he take it, the daughter said.

Meanwhile, a Southeast San Diego man, Henry L. Foster Sr., remained missing Tuesday as family and friends continued their search. Foster suffers from a memory lapse as a result of a stroke. He was last seen Dec. 10, and his car was last seen near a trolley station. Family members said he may have gone to Tijuana to watch horse races.

Anyone with information about Foster is asked to call San Diego police at 236-6566.