accept: every person with dementia will eventually become unable to drive a car
Changes in perception and reaction time, and impaired judgment, combined with memory loss, will ultimately make driving dangerous. A diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, however, doesn't mean a person has immediately lost the ability to drive. Safety considerations must be weighed against the need for independence and autonomy. It is a difficult decision that must be made on an individual basis.
decide: the decision of whether or not a person with dementia can safely drive should be based on the person's driving ability
Warning signs that driving has become dangerous
• Incorrect signaling
• Trouble navigating turns
• Trouble moving into or staying in a lane
• Confusion at exits
• Driving at inappropriate speeds
• Increased agitation or irritation while driving
• Getting lost in familiar places
• Scrapes or dents on the car, garage, or mailbox
• Near misses, accidents
Transitioning from Driver to Passenger
Planning and communication are essential in facing the challenge of discussing the transition from driver to passenger. People with early stage dementia are encouraged to discuss this issue with loved ones before driving becomes a major concern. Consider making an agreement with family to give up driving at a certain point and to create a transportation plan.
Prepare for a discussion with your loved one by trying to imagine what it would be like if you had to stop driving. Exploring their perspective can help you discuss the situation with compassion and a level of understanding.
support: you don't have to face this difficult decision alone
Seek Outside Help
In some situations, it may help for someone outside the family to confirm it is time for the person to give up his or her car keys.
Independent driving evaluations: A driving rehabilitation specialist can assist with a driving assessment. These individuals (often occupational therapists) are often based at hospitals or rehabilitation centers and have expertise in
on-the-road testing. Veterans are often eligible for free evaluations.
Healthcare professionals: Physicians can introduce the idea of “driving retirement” at each visit to help ease transition. A doctor may also issue a prescription requiring the person to stop driving.
Other sources of support: Care managers, lawyers, and financial planners can also discuss their concerns about
safety with the person who has dementia.
When the Person With Dementia Refuses to Stop Driving
Open and frequent communication is the best course of action for families and friends concerned about the driving ability of their loved one with dementia. Professional advice can also help. But in some cases, even clear communication and professional advice aren't enough to convince a person with memory loss to give up his or her car keys. If the person with dementia continues to drive even after it has become unsafe, there are things that can be done to prevent them from getting behind the wheel.
• Control access to the car keys
• Replace the keys with a set that won't start the car or file down the ignition key
• Remove the cars distributor cap or battery
• Park the car on another block or in a neighbor's driveway
• Submit a report to the Missouri Drivers License Bureau for an evaluation of the person's driving skills
Help From the Drivers License Bureau
After taking the above steps, if you still have concerns, contact the Drivers License Bureau. Under Missouri law, family members, health professionals, or others who have firsthand knowledge of poor driving skills, may submit a confidential request for an evaluation of the driver. To file a request, use the Driver Condition Report (form DOR-4319), available online from the Missouri Department of Revenue, or from the Alzheimer's
resources:
Resources for Missouri
Driving Assessment Programs
Transportation Resource List
Driving and Dementia Fact Sheet
Driver Condition Report (from the Missouri DMV)
Driver Physician Statement (from the Missouri DMV)
Driver and Reporting Laws (from the Missouri DMV)
Resources for Illinois
Driving Assessment Programs
Transportation Resource List
Driving and Dementia Information
Medical Report Form (from IL Secretary of State)
At the Crossroads, Family Conversations about Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia and Driving
To obtain a free copy of this brochure, write:
The Hartford
At the Crossroads
200 Executive Boulevard
Southington, CT 06489
Order online: www.thehartford.com/alzheimers
Missouri Department of Revenue
Drivers License Bureau
301 West High Street - Room 470
Jefferson City, MO 65105-0200
573.751.4600
http://dor.mo.gov
Alzheimer's Association: Driving & Dementia Printable Brochure
