April, 2010
The American Academy of Neurology has updated its guidelines on when people with dementia should stop driving. While the guidelines point out that this decision is a complex one that should be made by a doctor using the Clinical Dementia Rating scale, they also supported caregivers’ instincts, which have been found to often be correct. For caregivers and family members, the following warning signs are identified:
- Decreased miles being driven
- Collisions
- Moving violations
- Avoiding certain driving situations, such as driving at night or in the rain
- Aggressive or impulsive personality traits
However, the patient’s own self-rating, and a lack of situational avoidance, are not regarded as useful evidence.
Reference:
[186]
(2010). Practice Parameter update: Evaluation and management of driving risk in dementia: Report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology.
Neurology. 74(16), 1316 - 1324.
