Alzheimer's, Dementia & Driving

Assessing Driving Abilities

Observe Driving Behaviors for Signals

Many caregivers report that they have allowed a family member with dementia to continue driving after they believed it was unsafe. At the other extreme, some family members overreact to common driving errors such as failure to complete a stop at a stop sign. They may blame these errors on the disease when the person may have exhibited this bad habit long before dementia. A single occurrence of poor driving usually is not cause to stop driving. It does, however, signal the need for increased monitoring.

These activities can help caregivers assess their concerns about the driving skills of the person with dementia:

• Create opportunities to observe the person with mild dementia while driving.
• Keep a written record of observed driving behaviors over time. Use this warning signs list as an objective way to monitor any changes in driving skills.
• Share observations of unsafe driving with the person with dementia, other family members and healthcare providers.

While we’re hopeful that you find these guidelines helpful, the only way to truly assess whether a driver with dementia can continue to drive safely is to undergo a comprehensive evaluation by a specially-trained occupational therapist.