Scientists need tougher firearms laws to prevent dementia patients from killing themselves and killing themselves, scientists warn

The United States must put in place laws to prevent dementia patients from owning firearms, otherwise we could see an increase in the number of suicides and unintended shootings, the scientists warned.

In an article published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Associationresearchers analyzed existing data on firearms ownership, age and disability, and noted that older adults were more likely to own firearms than any other age group. They are also more likely to have age-related dementia.

According to the 2016 figures cited by the authors, an estimated 5.4 million adults in the United States have Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. By 2050, this figure is expected to reach 13.8 million. This could trigger a public health crisis if gunsleaders who lose their mental faculties were not being monitored, the researchers said.

At 27%, people aged 65 and over have the highest firearms ownership rate in the United States, while 37% live in a house with a firearm. A study of dementia patients mentioned by the authors showed that 18% of those surveyed had at least one firearm at home, 37% with illusions and 17% with hallucinations. Another study showed that 60% of households where a person with dementia (mild or severe) lived had at least one firearm.

Scientists warn that gun ownership laws for people with dementia are not strict enough. Getty Images

The authors presented a case study of an 80-year-old African American with Alzheimer's disease and other health issues. The man became confused, confused his help with an intruder and shot him.

Families often warn the elderly person's doctor if they fear they can not drive safely, take their medication, or use the stove, the authors wrote. "Yet the issue of access to a firearm is not often addressed by older adults, their children and the health care provider. The ability to handle a firearm safely in the past may not guarantee its ability to deal with dementia, physical disability or psychiatric illness, "they said.

Katherine Galluzzi, director of the Geriatrics Department of the College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia and author of the study, commented, "Nothing is easy, identities are shaped largely by how they can be done. feel autonomous. This does not end with the onset of dementia.

"However, as doctors and family members, we must be able to do the hard work in the interests of public safety."

An example of this person with dementia who shoots a loved one is Booker Moody. The 72-year-old shot and killed his 19-year-old granddaughter, Jordan Williams.

Moody's daughter, Traci Brown, told ABC 6 at the time, "My father is 72 years old, he has dementia and he can not remember it. If he does not remember it, he does not remember it. I personally know that if he knew that it was her, he would not have killed her. "

The researchers suggested that the red flag laws, according to which families could ask a judge to revoke the possession of a firearm from a person likely to pose a risk to their health or that of a person. 39, others because of their mental health, could be useful.

In addition to decision makers, doctors can also do their part by opening discussions about mental illness and possession of weapons at home among families.

Galluzzi said: "When it comes to removing the car or the weapon of a person, these difficult discussions do not become easier as the mental state of the patient is degraded.

"It is essential that families discuss this issue at an early stage and opt for a power of attorney so that someone can act in the best interests of the patient when he will no longer be able to do it yourself. "