Dementia And Guns: When Should Doctors Broach The Topic?

Dementia And Guns: When Should Doctors Broach The Topic?
During routine visits for patients who are at risk is the best time to ask about guns in the home for AlexRaths/iStock
Updated:

Some patients refuse to answer. Many doctors don’t ask. As the number of Americans with dementia rises, health professionals are grappling with when and how to pose the question: “Do you have guns at home?”

While gun violence data is scarce, a Kaiser Health News investigation with PBS NewsHour published in June uncovered over 100 cases across the United States since 2012  in which people with dementia used guns to kill themselves or others.  The shooters often acted during bouts of confusion, paranoia, delusion, or aggression—common symptoms of dementia. Tragically they shot spouses, children, and caregivers.
Related Topics