Dementia and Firearms

Within the next 20 years the number of people living with dementia in the United States is estimated to double to around 14 million. The majority of those individuals being over the age of 65. Research also finds that nearly half of individuals over the age of 65 own a firearm or live in a home with a firearm.

When a loved one begins showing signs of dementia the first thing many do is take away the car keys, credit cards, and disengage the stove. However, many are not thinking about access to firearms. Unfortunately, persons with dementia who have firearm access may, in addition to harming themselves, place families and caregivers at risk. Delusions about home intruders or confusion about the identity of persons in their lives may lead to confrontations with family members, health aides, or other visitors. 

However, just like driving, guns are seen as many people’s independence and an integral part of their identity so having a conversation about taking away a loved one’s guns is bound to be difficult and distressing.

A “family firearm agreement” is a simple way to plan for cognitive impairment issues. The agreement can list a certain individual that will make the decision as to when a loved one should “retire” his/ her gun and who should then maintain that gun until it is sold or gifted as part of a family’s estate plan. Firearm transfers may require assistance and it is best to do planning on the front end to avoid anguish if the situation ever arises.

Source: Firearms And Dementia: How Do You Convince A Loved One To Give Up Their Guns? ; Firearms and Dementia: Clinical Considerations