Driving and Dementia: A Review of the Literature

In North American society driving is closely linked with independence. Unfortunately, the freedom to operate a motor vehicle may be lost when an individual develops a specific medical diagnosis. The complex issue of dementia and driving safety is frequently encountered by health care professionals....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian journal of occupational therapy (1939) 2001-06, Vol.68 (3), p.149-156
Main Authors: Lloyd, Susan, Cormack, Carla Noelle, Blais, Kari, Messeri, Gila, McCallum, Mary Anne, Spicer, Kerrie, Morgan, Sarah
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accidents
Age
Age Groups
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Aging
Aging (Individuals)
Aging - physiology
Automobile Driver Examination
Automobile Driving
Changes
Cognition
Dementia
Dementia - diagnosis
Dementia - physiopathology
Drug Use
Health care
Hospitals
Humans
Literature reviews
Measurement Techniques
Motor Vehicles
Narcotics
Occupational Therapy
Older Adults
Physician's Role
Physicians
Program Evaluation
Public safety
Reaction Time
Resistance (Psychology)
Safety
Suburbs
Visual Acuity
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Summary:In North American society driving is closely linked with independence. Unfortunately, the freedom to operate a motor vehicle may be lost when an individual develops a specific medical diagnosis. The complex issue of dementia and driving safety is frequently encountered by health care professionals. Physicians are required, by law, to report any medical diagnosis such as dementia, that may affect driving safety. Physicians often refer to occupational therapists to assist them in determining if an individual's impairment significantly impacts driving safety. Unfortunately many health care professionals are not using reliable, valid and sensitive tests to determine the point at which an individual with dementia will become an unsafe driver. Through a review of the literature, the authors explore the effects of normal aging and cognitive impairment on driving safety. Specific assessment tools used to assess driving ability are examined and the role of health professionals in driver assessment is discussed. Some suggestions to improve the overall approach to evaluating driving safety are offered in the conclusion.
ISSN:0008-4174
1911-9828
DOI:10.1177/000841740106800303