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Driving with Alzheimer's

From , former About.com Guide

Updated: April 15, 2006

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Helping Driver's with Alzheimer's to Stop

When should a driver with Alzheimer's stop
There comes a point when a person with Alzheimer's disease has to stop driving. Statistics show that that is generally about two years after diagnosis. When you cannot rely on your loved one to be a safe driver it becomes your responsibility to help them give up the car keys.

The difficult decision to stop driving
Giving up driving represents a sad milestone in the journey of Alzheimer's disease. Loss of independence, freedom and family role are just some of them so it is not surprising that giving up such a fundamental part of life can be traumatic. Emotionally it can cause sadness, depression, anger and frustration. You are also going to have to deal with the practicalities. So, here are some tips on how to deal with giving up driving.

Plan to stop driving
We know that someone with Alzheimer's disease will have to stop driving at some point. Plan and discuss how you will deal with that event.

  • Consider financial, domestic, support networks and facilities, i.e. practical alternatives.

  • Talk about how you will both recognize the signs that being the driver is no longer safe.

  • Being prepared can help the difficulties of giving up driving for both of you as well as your family and friends.

    • Emotional support when driving stops
    Acknowledge the emotions giving up being a driver creates in both of you. That way you will be able to recognize and deal better with mood changes linked to the event. Praise and reassure the person giving up that he/she has made the best decision.

    Getting Alzheimer's driver assessed
    If you are worried about contributing to the decision to get your loved one to stop driving, get them assessed. A doctor, psychologist or occupational health worker can assess memory, aptitude, abilities and motor skills required for driving. Having a doctor or health care worker affirm that driving must stop is often the event that will get the message across to someone that they must stop driving.

    State Regulations about driving with Alzheimer's

  • In some states the law requires that doctors inform state health and motor vehicle departments that a person has Alzheimer's disease.

  • Some states automatically revoke the driver's licenses of someone with Alzheimer's disease.

  • If you are concerned about someone with Alzheimer's disease is driving you can contact your motor vehicle department. This can often be done anonymously.

  • A person with Alzheimer's disease may be required to be re-tested.

    • Strategies to stop people with Alzheimer's return to driving

  • You may need to remind the person that they are no longer able to drive

  • You may have to hide car keys or make them less accessible.

  • You may have to get the car disabled mechanically to stop them driving

  • You may need to keep your car at a friends house or park it different places

  • Although you have to get the message across that they cannot drive it is important that you try to do it in a way that will not undermine the person's confidence.

  • Tell the person that you can get other modes of transport with little difficulty so it is not so important that they can no longer drive.

    • Remember that research carried out in the US estimates that the risk of traffic accidents caused by patients with Alzheimer's is about the same as those in the 16- to 21-year-old age group or driver's after an alcoholic drink whose blood alcohol levels are under the legal limit.

    More features On This Site

    Advocacy for Alzheimer'sQuit Driving NowDealing with Frustration

    More Information About Alzheimer's Disease

    Stress Busting StrategiesAlzheimer's BrainTreatments for Alzheimer's

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