Dementia and Firearm Safety - Paperback

by Dementia Education Inc (Author)

Description: Dementia and Firearm SafetyToday, almost 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease or some other form of dementia. By 2040, this population is expected to grow to 16 million! Within our population of seniors -- 65 and older -- 27 percent own one or more firearms. Eighteen percent of individuals diagnosed with dementia live in a home with firearms, and among these, 37 percent experience delusions and 17 percent have experienced hallucinations.Everyone knows that Alzheimer's results in memory loss. But this is only the tip of the iceberg! Dementia erodes good judgment, reduces cognition, slows reflexes, and impairs the senses, including vision, hearing, manual dexterity, and fine motor skills. In addition to delusions and hallucinations, it often results in paranoia. In short, dementia attacks and destroys every mental, physical, and emotional ability that we need to become safe and responsible firearm owners.This handbook is not "anti-gun." It is about understanding dementia and avoiding accidental injury or worse, just as one would with power tools, appliances, and automobiles in a home where dementia is present. A firearms dealer was on its editorial team, and firearms experts, including law enforcement personnel, were consulted for its content. Its basic premise is that with knowledge and planning, families can make themselves and their loved ones with dementia safe without calling in outside agencies to take away anyone's guns.