Durham, N.C. — Authorities in Durham suspended their search Wednesday for a 49-year-old man who may be suffering from dementia or some other cognitive impairment. 

The North Carolina Center for Missing Persons issued a Silver Alert for Hubert Matthew Hunt about 12 a.m. after he went missing from a home at 1922 Capps St. The alert was canceled shortly before 4 p.m. 

It wasn't clear whether Hunt was found safe.

Developed in 2007, the Silver Alert system quickly notifies the public about missing endangered people who suffer from dementia or other cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer's disease.

It also allows caregivers and nursing homes to report a person missing. In the past, only a family member could report an adult missing.