My husband has handguns and has mild dementia. Any advice?

I'm with PartsMom and Blannie. Either unload them or load them with blanks.

Another option, depending on the sophistication of a substitute, is to find a child's toy made of plastic or something that just shoots water. Do you think he could tell they're just fakes?

Yet another option is to get something that he can admire but with which he can't do any damage.

OK, as a professional caregiver I know that the first thing to do is get rid of any ammunition right now!
If your husband or other family member with dementia or Alzheimer's has guns the best thing to do is not talk about the subject because these individuals cannot remember your remonstrances or your concerns.

So...that said remove the guns immediately. Be sure there will be no possible way your loved one will find them. While a demented person may appear to have forgotten most things, the fact is unless they are in the throes of late stage dementia they can still remember things from the past. So don't use an old standby hiding place.
Hope this helps.

While he's away, have someone unload the guns. Then hide the ammo. He can play with an unloaded gun with no downside, unless the police or EMTs come and he's holding a gun. He might be shot in that case.

As I'm writing this I'm realizing that getting RID of the guns is the only way to go. Do you have a grown child who could take them away? A friend or the police? Get them out of your home for your safety and the safety of everyone around you.

OK, as a professional caregiver I know that the first thing to do is get rid of any ammunition right now!
If your husband or other family member with dementia or Alzheimer's has guns the best thing to do is not talk about the subject because these individuals cannot remember your remonstrances or your concerns.

So...that said remove the guns immediately. Be sure there will be no possible way your loved one will find them. While a demented person may appear to have forgotten most things, the fact is unless they are in the throes of late stage dementia they can still remember things from the past. So don't use an old standby hiding place.
Hope this helps.

Could you have someone who knows what they're doing reload everything with blanks and get rid of the live ammo? At least he won't throw a fit about them being gone. And smuggle them out one at a time.

My blood pressure just went way up.

Your husband has mild dementia. I'm not sure how much you know about dementia, but from experience with several relatives, I can tell you that often the change from mild to "raging maniac" stage is often sudden and happens with no warning. Meaning, he may wake up one morning and decide that you're not his wife, you're an intruder. Or that the UPS man is coming to take him awsy. Or that he's back in the army and he's got to lead the charge to take Hill 25 (that was my Uncle. Every other week). You get the picture. He's going to shoot and hurt, possibly kill someone. The three year old next door. Or you. And YOU will be responsible, morally and legally because you know he has dementia and you know he has loaded firearms.

Please get rid of the guns. Call the local sheriff to help. Blame it on Obama. But please, please, get rid of the guns.

Your husband with dementia handles and admires loaded guns.

OMG!

Years ago when my husbands Alzheimer's was mild he managed to shoot himself in the face with a BB handgun. I didn't even know he had a gun. When I pestered him to tell me why he had a black eye he told me what happened. I threw the gun away a couple of days later and he never asked where it was. He must have scared himself badly. That situation is different from yours since your husband hasn't shot himself or anyone else yet but it could happen. It happens to people without dementia. Your concern is justified. Can he still be reasoned with? Perhaps one of his friends or his Dr. could talk to him. If that doesn't work you'll need to get rid of them yourself. I feel for you because whatever you decide to do won't be easy.

Your sensitivity to your husband's hobby is commendable, but I would immediately get all guns out of the house. Do it when he is asleep or out. I would try to avoid an altercation, but with dementia, you can't take that risk. His brain is not functioning correctly. He could hurt himself and you, unintentionally. This is not one of those iffy issues. It's a huge safety concern. I would take immediate action. The fact that your husband does not understand why he should not have these firearms demonstrates that he is not thinking clearly and does not appreciate the reality of the situation. Be very careful. Try not to get into a confrontation. If you feel in danger call 911 and seek safety.

You can tell him that you are getting an alarm system or that you are safer taking your chances without the guns in the house. And don't feel guilty. You are protecting you both. And eventually, he will likely not remember the firearms.