Comparison of Driving Self-Regulation Practices Between Older Drivers With and Without Risk of Dementia

Older drivers with cognitive impairment face greater driving risk, and self-regulation is a key strategy. However, research on self-regulation among older drivers at risk of dementia remains limited. This study used 2020 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) data to examine the association between self-regulation practices and high-risk driving situations in older drivers at risk of dementia. The sample included 2,521 older adults who had driven within the past year and were classified using NHATS criteria. Demographic and self-reported driving behaviors were analyzed. Poisson regression showed that drivers at risk engaged in more self-regulation practices than those without risk (IRR = 1.23; 95% CI = 0.05-0.36; p = .0081). Logistic regression showed a significant difference only for driving in the rain or other bad weather conditions (OR = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.12-2.36; p = .0104). Findings support the need for targeted education and interventions to promote safe driving.