A novel computer test to assess driving-relevant cognitive functions--a pilot study.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Transportation Safety

Background:

• Assessing driving-relevant cognition in older adults is challenging due to the lack of clear cognitive impairment boundaries.
• Not all cognitive functions equally impact driving ability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Bern Cognitive Screening Test (BCST) for assessing older drivers' cognitive functions.
• To compare BCST performance with traditional cognitive tests and driving simulator outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A computer-assisted test battery (BCST) was used, assessing visuo-spatial attention, executive functions, eye-hand coordination, distance judgment, and speed regulation.
• Performance was compared between 41 safe drivers and 14 unsafe drivers using BCST, paper-and-pencil tests, and a driving simulator.

Main Results:

• Safe drivers significantly outperformed unsafe drivers in BCST and the driving simulator (p < 0.01).
• Paper-and-pencil tests showed no significant group differences.
• BCST demonstrated high sensitivity (86%) and specificity (61%) for identifying unsafe older drivers and had fewer dropouts than the simulator.

Conclusions:

• The Bern Cognitive Screening Test (BCST) is a more accurate and better-tolerated tool for assessing driving-relevant cognition in older drivers compared to paper-and-pencil tests and driving simulators.