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April 12, 2017

Hello,

First and foremost, we at the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation would like to wish you and yours a very Happy Passover and Happy Easter. We thought the following articles below would be of help:

Driving is a routine part of life for most people and is also a way for someone to be independent. Having this independence taken away due to Alzheimer’s can take a toll on the person’s mental state. Start having the conversation with your loved one about their ability to drive and when to transition away from it sooner rather than later. It’s important to show empathy and if you encounter resistance, explain it is a safety issue

Knowing when your loved one with Alzheimer’s should stop driving is the difficult part. Watch for these signs of unsafe driving:

  • Difficulty navigating to familiar places
  • Poor lane control
  • Mistaking the brake and gas pedals
  • Failing to observe traffic signs
  • Making slow decisions
  • Hitting the curb while driving
  • Becoming angry while driving

If you’re unsure as to whether they should stop driving, seeking the advice of an occupational therapist is the next step. The important thing to note is that you don’t have to make this decision on your own. There are professionals who can help make this transition as smooth as possible.

We hope you enjoy this month’s expert-reviewed articles below.

Your ALZinfo Team