It often starts inconspicuously: the doctor’s appointment is forgotten, bills are left behind or you suddenly lose the thread in the middle of a conversation. Dementia rarely manifests itself with a major incision. Rather, according to the Alzheimer’s Research Initiative (AFI), it shows up in small changes to everyday life.
But it’s not just behavior at home that can provide clues. Early signs of cognitive impairment can also be seen while behind the wheel. A recent study shows that certain changes in driving behavior can indicate the onset of dementia. But which driving style can warn of the disease?
How do driving habits change with age?
Table of Contents
A current study by the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis shows that early signs of cognitive impairment can also become apparent when driving. In their prospective study, the researchers examined the question of whether the driving behavior of older people with a mild cognitive disorder differs over time from that of mentally healthy drivers.
They followed 298 participants with an average age of 75 years over a period of 40 months. GPS-enabled data loggers in the vehicle recorded how often and for how long people drove, at what time of day, at what speed and whether they braked abruptly. In addition, neuropsychological and clinical tests were carried out once a year to assess mental performance.
Of the participants, 242 were considered cognitively healthy. 56 participants already showed mild impairments, also known as MCI, which, according to the AFI, is a possible precursor to dementia. At the beginning, the driving styles of the study participants hardly differed. But as the months went by, a clear pattern emerged: people with declining cognitive performance drove less often, for shorter distances and especially less at night. In addition, their overall driving style became more cautious than that of people without restrictions.
Can driving style actually warn of dementia?
The study concludes that changes in driving behavior may actually be an early indicator of cognitive impairment. Based on the driving data and test results collected, the researchers developed models that were able to predict an existing or developing limitation with around 82 percent accuracy. If demographic data such as age or gender were also included, the hit rate rose to up to 87 percent.
However, according to the scientists, how representative these results are is questionable. The sample was relatively small and not very diverse – many participants had similar ethical backgrounds. In addition, the data loggers used did not record all aspects of driving ability, such as staying in lane or identifying hazards, which are common in driving tests.
Unanswered questions also remain with regard to illnesses such as dementia. According to the AFI, mild cognitive impairment does not necessarily lead to dementia. Some people remain in this preliminary stage permanently without developing into a more severe form. To truly understand how the onset of dementia manifests itself in driving behavior, further, larger and more diverse studies are needed.
Dementia: What are the typical first signs?
Dementia literally means “without mind” – a translation that, according to the Federal Ministry of Health, precisely describes the essential characteristic of the disease: mental abilities are limited or sometimes completely lost.
According to the Ministry of Health, the first signs include short-term memory disorders. Those affected have difficulty remembering things, forget appointments or ask the same questions repeatedly. Later, long-term memory may also be impaired. As mental impairment increases, other typical symptoms often occur, including:
- Decreased attention
- Language difficulties
- Limited comprehension
- Impaired thinking ability
- Difficulty in orientation
Can you still drive a car with dementia?
People with memory impairments or early dementia should be particularly careful when driving. According to the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, driving is still possible in the early stages of dementia. However, if Alzheimer’s dementia in particular progresses, you are no longer allowed to drive. The legal basis for this can be found in Appendix 4 of the Driving License Ordinance.
If the disease is diagnosed, the ministry recommends having your driving ability checked before getting behind the wheel again. This examination is usually carried out by specialists in psychiatry or neurology.