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Driving in Alzheimer's disease.
R M Dubinsky1, A Williamson, C S Gray
1Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City 66160-7134.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) impairs driving ability, leading to significantly more accidents for those who continue to drive. Early detection of unsafe drivers with AD is crucial for public safety.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gerontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive decline.
- Impaired mental skills may affect complex activities like driving.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between Alzheimer's Disease and driving ability.
- To assess the traffic safety risks associated with AD patients who continue to drive.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective survey conducted at the Alzheimer's Clinic of the University of Kansas Medical Center.
- Interviewed 67 AD patients and their families, compared with 100 elderly controls.
- Questionnaire focused on driving habits, cessation, and accident history over 10 years.
Main Results:
- 46 AD subjects stopped driving due to safety concerns; only 2 controls did (P < 0.0001).
- AD drivers had 263.2 accidents/million miles vs. 14.3 for controls (P < 0.002).
- AD drivers had significantly more accidents than the general driving population (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- A significant traffic safety problem exists for AD patients who continue to drive.
- Efforts are needed to identify AD patients posing a driving risk.
- Intervention is necessary to mitigate risks associated with AD and driving.