Driving with Alzheimer's disease

Driving is seen as a fundamental right. It represents freedom, independence, self-worth, inclusion and access When Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed it is one of the many issues that have to be evaluated and the future considered. Brain damaged affects motor skills and decision making. The person with Alzheimer's is no longer safe driving a car or any motor vehicle.

Statistics Risks of Driving with Alzheimer's
There are a number of research studies that illustrate the dangers of driving and Alzheimer’s Disease. For example, a Swedish study by Johansson and others found between 47-53 per cent of drivers over 65 years who died in accidents showed either early signs or actually had Alzheimer’s disease. In another example Carr showed that people with Alzheimer’s were at a significant higher risk of having motor vehicle accidents. It is known that people with Alzheimer’s disease drive, on average, 2.5 years following diagnosis but that certainly does not mean that everyone with Alzheimer’s should as it affects people in different ways and some more quickly than others. People with early stage, very mild Alzheimer’s disease, can and do drive safely, however when the disease progresses to the moderate or severe stages, then driving must stop.

Driving safely with Alzheimer’s Disease
There are a number of activities, driving is one, in which our behavior changes over time. My father has found that as he ages so his confidence, ability to react quickly and his desire to drive long distances has diminished (he's in his 80s). As a result his driving pattern has adapted and he also avoids driving at night, or in bad weather. People with Alzheimer’s disease, who may not have enough insight into their abilities, may have to firmly persuaded or actively prevented from driving for their own safety and the safety of others

Some General Safe Driving Tips

Do Not Drive If:

Making Decisions About Driving with Alzheimer's
Further information about driving with Alzheimer's disease can be obtained from the U.S. Department of Transportation http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/olddrive/Alzheimers/index.html

More information on State Reporting Requirements
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/olddrive/FamilynFriends/state.htm

More Information on Evaluation of Driving Skills
To have your loved one's driving evaluated a specialist is a great idea. They can help determine how driving abilities are changing and help you decide when your driving is no longer safe. [link url=www.aota.org/olderdriver[/link]