Medication and Road Test Performance Among Cognitively Healthy Older Adults.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Pharmacology
• Traffic Safety

Background:

• Older adults are increasingly prescribed medications with potential adverse effects.
• Previous research indicates a link between certain medications and increased motor vehicle crash risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the association between specific medication classes and driving performance decline in healthy older adults.
• To identify demographic and medical factors associated with impaired driving.
• To test if certain medications increase the risk of impaired driving over time.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study of 198 cognitively healthy adults aged 65+.
• Annual follow-up including standardized road tests (Washington University Road Test).
• Analysis of medication use (antidepressants, sedatives, NSAIDs, etc.) and driving performance using Cox proportional hazards models.

Main Results:

• Antidepressants, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, sedatives/hypnotics, and NSAIDs were associated with an increased risk of failing the road test.
• Lipid-lowering agents were associated with a lower risk of impaired driving.
• No significant associations were found for anticholinergics or antihistamines.

Conclusions:

• Specific medication classes are linked to poorer driving performance in older adults.
• Clinicians should consider these findings when prescribing to older patients and counsel them on driving risks.