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Driving and the Person with Alzheimer's Disease
Continuing to drive a car poses special challenges for the person with Alzheimer's. Early in the course of the disease, patients typically want to continue to enjoy the independence and accessibility afforded by driving. And for a time at least, the person with dementia may be able to continue to drive.
However, it's important to realize that driving skills do deteriorate over time, and that the person with Alzheimer's is often unaware of worsening problems and unable to realistically assess their abilities. It is therefore important that caregivers and family members work closely with the patient, doctors and driving specialists to monitor and regulate driving and ensure the safety of the patient and others on the road.
Are You at Risk? Take the Test.
Review the following checklist. If any apply to you, driving safety may be at risk. Consult your doctor about whether to continue driving.
*I get lost while driving.
*Friends and family members worry about my driving.
*Other cars seem to appear out of nowhere.
*I have trouble seeing signs in time to respond to them.
*Other drivers drive too fast.
*Other drivers honk at me.
*Driving stresses me out.
*After driving, I feel tired.
*I have had more "near misses" lately.
*Busy intersections bother me.
*Left-hand turns make me nervous.
*The glare from oncoming headlights bothers me.
*My medications make me dizzy or drowsy.
*I have trouble turning the steering wheel.
*I have trouble pushing down on the gas pedal or brakes.
*I have trouble looking over my shoulder when I back up.
*I have been stopped by the police for my driving lately.
*People will no longer accept rides from me.
*I don't like to drive at night.
*I have more trouble parking lately.
Is Your Loved One a Safe Driver?
If you're concerned about a loved one's safe driving, you can take measures to help him or her stay safe. Go for a ride with your loved one every now and then and look for any warning signs. Check with friends and passengers about any changes they may have noticed. Warning signs include:
*Forgets to buckle up.
*Does not obey traffic signs or stop lights.
*Fails to yield the right of way.
*Drives too slowly or too quickly.
*Often gets lost, even on familiar routes.
*Stops at a green light or at the wrong time.
*Doesn't seem to notice other cars, pedestrians or bicyclists on the road.
*Doesn't stay in his or her lane.
*Is honked at or passed often.
*Reacts slowly to driving situations.
*Makes poor driving decisions.
Other signs of trouble may include:
*Recent near misses or fender benders.
*Recent tickets for moving violations.
*Comments from passengers about close calls, near misses or the driver not seeing other vehicles.
*Recent increase in car insurance premiums.
What to Do if You're Concerned about a Loved One's Driving
If you're concerned about a loved one's driving, take measures to keep him or her and others stay safe.
Talk to your loved one. Tell them you are concerned about their driving. Do they share your concern?
- Don't bring up your concerns in the car. It's dangerous to distract the driver. Wait until you have his or her full attention.
- Explain why you are concerned. Give specific reasons: For example, recent fender benders, getting lost or running stop signs.
- Realize your loved one may become upset or defensive. After all, driving is important for independence and self-esteem.
- If your loved one doesn't want to talk about driving at this time, bring it up again later. Your continued concern and support may help him or her feel more comfortable with this topic.
- Be a good listener. Take your loved one's concerns seriously.
Help make plans for transportation. When your loved one is ready to talk about driving safety, you can work together to create plans for future safety.
- Make a formal agreement about driving. In this agreement, your loved one designates a family member or friend to tell him or her when it is no longer safe to drive. This person then agrees to help your loved one make the transition to driving retirement.
- Help create a transportation plan. Your loved one may rely less on driving if he or she has other ways to get around. Enlist friends and relatives who can help arrange rides. Get familiar with car services or local church or civic groups that may be able to offer help.
Encourage a visit to the doctor. The doctor can review the patient's history and check for medical conditions or offer treatments that may help.
Encourage the patient to take a driving test. A driver rehabilitation specialist can assess your loved one's driving safety through an office exam and driving test.
To find a specialist in your area, ask your doctor or contact the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (1-800-290-2344), www.driver-ed.org. Your local Department of Motor Vehicles may also be able to help.
A sample "driving agreement" and more information on driving and Alzheimer's can be found at The Hartford insurance groups Web site, "Alzheimer's, Dementia, and Driving," at www.thehartford.com/alzheimers/agreement.html.
(Adapted from Physicians' Guide to Counseling and Assessing Older Drivers. American Medical Association/National Highway Traffic Safety Administration/Department of Transportation, June 2003)
Updated February 4, 2004.Reviewed by Samuel E. Gandy, M.D., Ph.D., Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board, Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation.
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