Guns and Driving - Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Message Board

needtoescape · 08-19-2006, 08:25 PM

I've noticed that there are several of us dealing with the situation of guns in the household - and nearly everyone dealing with the danger of driving as the AD gets worse. All of a sudden, it struck me that this could become a very dangerous situation

as the baby boomers age if there is not significant progress in AD diagnosis, treatment, prevention, etc.!

LuvMyLilDoggie · 08-19-2006, 08:46 PM

I've thought about that too. I don't worry about guns with my dad but my uncle (dad's brother who also has AD) has guns. It's very scary.

I sometimes think about what I'll be like when I get older. My chances of getting AD are probably higher than a lot of people since I have so many relatives on both sides of my family who either have it now or died from it. My son won't have a problem with me and guns but I pray that I have the ability to give up driving before I become a danger to myself and others.

With all the research going on now, I pray there's at least a pill to stop the progression very soon.

But the ultimate icing on the cake would be a cure.

Love, Barb

Choquis · 08-20-2006, 05:52 PM

I'm one who is dealing with FIL driving and guns! Our state has a form to submit for re-examination for his driver's license. (I anonymously sent it in and he received it this week!) He has to go to the Sec. of State on the 24th. I think they will give him forms for his doctor to fill out. If they rely on him telling the truth, the State is in for trouble! lol! He has no idea why he has to be re-evaluated.

Since his doctor will do anything he's asked to do,

I am curious as to how he will fill out the form....since his patient has epilepsy, a closed head injury...(from having a seizure and hitting a tree in a truck), vision problems from a swollen optic nerve, and Alzheimer's Disease. (I think the doctor could be sued if he falsifies the State document.)

He brings out his hand guns to show them off! I want to take all the guns out of the house as he is getting more violent and unpredictable all the time! DH suggested just taking the bullets out of the guns....that way, he sees them, but can't hurt anyone. I remind DH everytime we go over there NOT to talk about guns and that way FIL doesn't start bringing them out. FIL hasn't brought them out in several months, but I looked in his underwear drawer while he was in the hospital and a loaded hand gun was there.... (That was before we decided on the ammo deal) They will be gone this week for a few days, so hopefully we can take care of the ammo.

The road rage thing is so awful. FIL has rammed cars on the exit ramp, has cut cars off on free-way, has followed people home to fight...etc. etc. Plus his judgement is so off (AD)....plus the seizures!!!!!!! It was early morning when he slammed into a tree with his work truck....fortunately no kids were standing by the road waiting for the bus!

It could have been horrible.... and it was pretty bad as it was....he was in ICU for weeks....they said it would accellerate the AD.

So those of you who are dealing with these issues, check with your DMV for a form for re-examination. It was anonymous in my state. No, it will not keep them from driving, but at least your conscience will be clear as you've done what you can to refrain him from driving.

Prayers

Choquis

Martha H · 08-20-2006, 06:14 PM

Dear Choquis -

Get those GUNS out of there!! Please please please - before he gets HOUSE rage instead of road rage and shoots you or someone else. Alzheimer patients have NO judgment at all, that's why he allows himself to get so upset on the road - you need to intervene for his own sake and that of people all along his way.

Even before the license can be suspended his truck should be 'disabled' and towed away to be 'fixed, ' never to return. Yes he will rant and rave - so what else is new? he does that anyhow ...

Please do it.. I shudder to think of the world in 10 or 20 years as the whole baby boomer generation gets out on the road with their percentage of dementias ; and all refuse help or refuse to admit there is anything wrong with them ...

Come on researchers - we neeeed that PILLLLL!!!

Love,

Martha