In the United States, firearm violence has become an unsettlingly common topic in everyday discourse. From accidental fatalities to nonfatal injuries and even premeditated mass shootings, gun violence represents a widespread public health crisis affecting communities nationwide.  Data indicate that firearm injury has an increasing frequency among certain groups, including adults aged 75 years or older.

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When viewed through a public health lens, conditions such as dementia warrant particular attention. Dementia has been shown to increase the risk of firearm-related harm due to associated cognitive, behavioral, and personality changes. Compounding this risk, research demonstrates that firearms are prevalent in the homes of individuals living with dementia. Of the approximately five million Americans with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, as many as 60% have firearms in their homes – about half of which are stored loaded.

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These findings underscore an important opportunity for health care providers to engage in education and proactive conversations with patients about firearm access and safety. Involving caregivers in discussions about the presence of firearms and safe storage practices can be an especially effective strategy for reducing the risk of injury within this vulnerable population. 

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The BulletPoints Project is a web-based resource developed by a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals, including legal, research, and education experts. The platform equips medical and mental health providers with practical tools, such as risk assessments and decision aids, to support firearm safety counseling, education, and intervention. 

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To learn more about available clinical tools to help prevent firearm-related injury, including infographics and flyers, visit The BulletPoints Project.