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Dried Blood Spot Collection of Health Biomarkers to Maximize Participation in Population Studies
Published on: January 28, 2014
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Biomarkers.
Felix Menze1,2, Nathan W Churchill3, Corinne E Fischer3
1University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Alzheimer'S & Dementia : the Journal of the Alzheimer'S Association
|December 25, 2025
Summary
Older drivers with lower Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores showed increased prefrontal brain activity during simulated driving. This suggests cognitive status impacts neural mechanisms of driving fitness, informing future driver screening.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Transportation Safety
Background:
- Driving cessation is a concern for individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease.
- Cognitive screening tests (CSTs) are mandated for elderly drivers in some regions, but their link to driving neural mechanisms is unclear.
- This study investigates the relationship between cognitive function and brain activity during simulated driving.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the correlation between Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores and brain activity during a simulated driving task.
- To determine if cognitive impairment affects neural mechanisms involved in safe driving.
- To provide evidence for cognitive status modulating driving performance.
Main Methods:
- 32 licensed drivers (MCI and controls, aged 50-76) underwent fMRI while performing a simulated bus-following task.
- Brain activity during curved road segments was analyzed.
- Partial least squares analysis correlated brain activity with MoCA scores and age.
Main Results:
- A significant portion of brain activation variance (62%) was explained by age and MoCA score.
- Lower MoCA scores and higher age correlated with increased activity in widespread prefrontal areas.
- These prefrontal areas are associated with sustained attention and planning.
Conclusions:
- First study to link simulated safe driving brain activity with MoCA scores.
- Lower cognitive function (lower MoCA) is associated with increased prefrontal engagement during simulated driving.
- Findings support the development of adaptive tests for driving fitness screening.
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