Driving and Dementia
How Alzheimer's affects driving
When to stop driving
Protecting your brain
How to ease the transition
How Alzheimer's affects driving
Alzheimer's can affect a person's driving ability in multiple ways, leading to a decline in overall driving performance that may result in safety concerns.
Decrease in motor skills
Memory Loss
Affects judgment
Lack of concentration
Return
Next
The dangers of driving with Alzheimer's
Being Patient interviewed Dr. Linda Ercoli, a clinical psychologist with a specialty in geriatric psychology and the neuropsychology of aging.
Expert's perspective
“You have to think about the safety of your loved one, first of all, and the safety of other people that may be harmed. We know of really sad and horrible stories of people who drive and shouldn’t be driving. They get into a collision. They get hurt, or kill themselves or someone else, or they could end up lost and end up not being found or being found after they’ve been exposed to elements.”
Dr. Linda ErcoliHealth Sciences Clinical Professor, Semel Institute
Read more
Return
Next
US laws on driving with dementia
There are no federal laws restricting individuals with dementia from driving. Regulations can vary in different states, thus it is important to check your state laws when receiving a diagnosis.
Return
Next
How to drive more safely
At an early stage of Alzheimer's, you may still be safe to drive. Here are some simple strategies to help you remain confident and safe on the road.
Avoid driving at night
Plan trips in advance
Get regular checkups
Avoid rush hour traffic
Return
Next
Signs it's time to stop
If you begin to experience any of the following signs, it may be time to stop driving. Recognizing these warning signs early can help in making informed decisions about your driving future.
Tickets, accidents, or unexplained damage
Confusion over colors, words, or road rules
Getting lost in familiar places
Anger or road rage while driving
Return
Next
Importance of memory when driving
Being Patient interviewed Jenny Nordine, founder of Driving to Independence. She shares insights on driving, cognitive assessments, and safety for aging adults.
Expert's perspective
"In dementia, aging, and Alzheimer’s disease, memory will tend to be sort of the original area that we begin to identify, and memory is so involved in driving. “What is the speed limit, even though I just passed that speed limit sign?” or, driving along and passing a bicyclist in a bike lane, and then immediately making a right-hand turn because that’s your route, forgetting the cyclist was just there."
Jenny Nordine Founder of Driving to Independence
Read more
Return
Next
Starting the conversation
Discussing the need to give up driving with a family member can be challenging; it's essential to approach the conversation with empathy and clear communication.
Start the conversation early before it becomes a crisis.
Regularly assess driving ability during doctor’s appointments.
Explore alternatives like public transport or ride-sharing.
Focus on benefits such as reduced stress and costs.
Return
Next
How to ease the transition
Being Patient interviewed dementia care specialist Teepa Snow about preparing for a life without driving.
Expert's perspective
"The risk of having a significant accident that injures someone or could kill someone — and we’ve had it happen multiple times. So, start the process of saying, 'you know, there’ll probably come a time when we can’t do the driving ourselves is important.' My idea is we start to get used to — or ask somebody to take us and get used to the passenger seat— before we need to."
Teepa Snow Founder of Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care
Read more
Return
Next
Want to keep learning?
Visit
beingpatient.com
for the latest news and information on brain health and Alzheimer's disease
Return
Driving and Dementia
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Transcript
Driving and Dementia
How Alzheimer's affects driving
When to stop driving
Protecting your brain
How to ease the transition
How Alzheimer's affects driving
Alzheimer's can affect a person's driving ability in multiple ways, leading to a decline in overall driving performance that may result in safety concerns.
Decrease in motor skills
Memory Loss
Affects judgment
Lack of concentration
Return
Next
The dangers of driving with Alzheimer's
Being Patient interviewed Dr. Linda Ercoli, a clinical psychologist with a specialty in geriatric psychology and the neuropsychology of aging.
Expert's perspective
“You have to think about the safety of your loved one, first of all, and the safety of other people that may be harmed. We know of really sad and horrible stories of people who drive and shouldn’t be driving. They get into a collision. They get hurt, or kill themselves or someone else, or they could end up lost and end up not being found or being found after they’ve been exposed to elements.”
Dr. Linda ErcoliHealth Sciences Clinical Professor, Semel Institute
Read more
Return
Next
US laws on driving with dementia
There are no federal laws restricting individuals with dementia from driving. Regulations can vary in different states, thus it is important to check your state laws when receiving a diagnosis.
Return
Next
How to drive more safely
At an early stage of Alzheimer's, you may still be safe to drive. Here are some simple strategies to help you remain confident and safe on the road.
Avoid driving at night
Plan trips in advance
Get regular checkups
Avoid rush hour traffic
Return
Next
Signs it's time to stop
If you begin to experience any of the following signs, it may be time to stop driving. Recognizing these warning signs early can help in making informed decisions about your driving future.
Tickets, accidents, or unexplained damage
Confusion over colors, words, or road rules
Getting lost in familiar places
Anger or road rage while driving
Return
Next
Importance of memory when driving
Being Patient interviewed Jenny Nordine, founder of Driving to Independence. She shares insights on driving, cognitive assessments, and safety for aging adults.
Expert's perspective
"In dementia, aging, and Alzheimer’s disease, memory will tend to be sort of the original area that we begin to identify, and memory is so involved in driving. “What is the speed limit, even though I just passed that speed limit sign?” or, driving along and passing a bicyclist in a bike lane, and then immediately making a right-hand turn because that’s your route, forgetting the cyclist was just there."
Jenny Nordine Founder of Driving to Independence
Read more
Return
Next
Starting the conversation
Discussing the need to give up driving with a family member can be challenging; it's essential to approach the conversation with empathy and clear communication.
Start the conversation early before it becomes a crisis.
Regularly assess driving ability during doctor’s appointments.
Explore alternatives like public transport or ride-sharing.
Focus on benefits such as reduced stress and costs.
Return
Next
How to ease the transition
Being Patient interviewed dementia care specialist Teepa Snow about preparing for a life without driving.
Expert's perspective
"The risk of having a significant accident that injures someone or could kill someone — and we’ve had it happen multiple times. So, start the process of saying, 'you know, there’ll probably come a time when we can’t do the driving ourselves is important.' My idea is we start to get used to — or ask somebody to take us and get used to the passenger seat— before we need to."
Teepa Snow Founder of Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care
Read more
Return
Next
Want to keep learning?
Visit
beingpatient.com
for the latest news and information on brain health and Alzheimer's disease
Return