Common Alzheimer's medication helps skills necessary for safe driving

August, 2010

The most common type of Alzheimer's drugs (cholinesterase inhibitors) was associated with improved attention and driving skills in those with early stage Alzheimer's.

A study involving outpatients with early stage Alzheimer’s found that their performance on some computerized tests of executive function and visual attention, including a simulated driving task, improved significantly after three months of taking cholinesterase inhibitors. Specifically, the drug treatment was associated with an improved ability to accurately maintain lane position during the simulated driving task; to accurately and quickly detect a target in a visual search task; to more quickly complete computerized mazes.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-06/l-cam060910.php

Reference:

[1617] Daiello, L. A., Ott B. R., Festa E. K., Friedman M., Miller L. A., & Heindel W. C.
(2010). Effects of Cholinesterase Inhibitors on Visual Attention in Drivers With Alzheimer Disease.
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. 30(3), 245 - 251.

driving

seniors

treatment

Alzheimers

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