There was a similar incident here in Dallas just a month or so ago -- WITH A HAPPY ENDING!
The man had a form of amnesia and he left his house to walk the dogs. The dogs came back but he did not. After 3 weeks of exhausted efforts, the man was found a few miles away. Turns out he was fine, just had no idea what happened when he was gone. He was interviewed on the news and he said he remembers finding a shirt in a laundromat to wear and food to eat, but had no idea who he was or where he lived.
One local expert said that some amnesiacs have their "survival" instincts kick in so that is what keeps them going.
I hope and pray that this gentleman has a happy ending to his story, too. It is never easy for any family to go through this, but the holidays make it even more upsetting. My thoughts and prayers for this man and his family continue.