Driving With Dementia
What if your dad, who has early Alzheimer’s disease, is still driving, is this dangerous? What if your mom, who has mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease, was still driving, is that dangerous? Both are good questions.
We know that Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease. But how can we pinpoint the exact time when the deterioration seriously affects a person’s memory? Their judgment and reaction to driving that becomes a very dangerous task? The fact is anytime someone’s memory, judgment, and reaction are affected even slightly. There is a chance for errors, and errors on the road can be fatal.
The Alzheimer Society lists the mental functions that are necessary for driving, as:
- Quick reactions
- The ability to divide your attention (e.g., watching a traffic light and pedestrians, while keeping your foot on the brake)
- Good judgment
- An understanding and ability to recall the rules of the road
- The ability to find a destination
- Adequate eyesight and hearing.
They also say that someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease may still be able to drive for a while. Until their disease progresses. Our view is that it is very important to watch and make sure the person with dementia is still sharp enough to be able to react. Make comprehensible decisions, and remember and understand road signs. Every person with dementia may go through the deterioration stages at a different speed. So keep a close eye on your loved one.
Being On The Safe Side
To be on the safe side, don’t wait until an accident happens before you ask your loved one to stop driving. Keep on top of their road knowledge and ability by asking them questions often. And before they want to drive somewhere. If they can’t remember what the difference is between a two-way stop sign and a four-way stop sign is. If they can’t tell who has the right of way if they come to a yield sign. It may be the time to ask them to stop driving. And organize a different mode of transportation for them.
The conversation of asking a loved one to stop driving is a difficult one. Remember, this person has been driving and getting around on their own for years. And now they will give up their independence to do and go where they please. It is a good idea to have a professional’s help while having this conversation. Please call me to your table. And I will make this difficult conversation easier. I’ll keep us on-topic, add a neutral tone to this potentially highly emotional topic, and help you and your loved one think of better transportation solutions that will create a new kind of independence for your loved one with dementia. Call me at .1-888-502-1321
Added November 2023: Here is a link to a helpful resource about driving & dementia by the law firm Warner Law Offices wvpersonalinjury.com/dementia-
Karen 🙂
Karen Tyrell, CPCA, CDCP
Personalized Dementia Solutions
www.DementiaSolutions.ca
