A team of scientists is investigating how car driving changes in motorists over the age of 65. The aim is to establish whether and how thinking and spatial navigation changes impact everyday driving.
This follows research published in the United States that showed older drivers are unlikely to benefit from retaking their driving test or receiving additional lessons.
Scientists at the University of East Anglia (UEA) are searching for volunteers to take part in the study. People over the age of 65 who actively drive will be asked to complete online questionnaires and memory and thinking tests related to their driving history.
Alzheimer’s disease is the leading causing a dementia, a condition that will affect 135 million people worldwide by 2050. Although a diagnosis of dementia is not a reason to stop driving, it may affect a person’s ability to drive safely. One in three people with dementia still drives.
Anyone diagnosed with dementia must inform the DVLA or DVA, as well as their insurance company. The DVLA will decide if someone with dementia can still hold a driving licence, although the decision is based on information from the person’s GP or consultant.
Other health conditions may affect a driver’s performance behind the wheel. Many people with dementia have vision and hearing problems, as well as arthritis and muscle conditions.
‘Alzheimer’s can have serious consequences’
Professor Michael Hornberger, who is running the study at the UEA, said: “Driving is such an essential part of our lives, not only when we work, but also in retirement when many people are dependent on the car to get around, especially if they live in more rural areas.
“However, surprisingly little is known on how the cognitive changes during ageing impact our driving. This becomes particularly relevant when older people develop the first symptoms of dementia, which might impact their driving behaviour.
“Few people know that a common symptom in Alzheimer’s disease is spatial disorientation. Spatial disorientation in Alzheimer’s disease can have serious consequences, leading to people potentially becoming lost, which in turn can impact driving behaviour. The study will help inform future policies on how to assess driving changes in older people and those with earliest cognitive changes, such as in dementia.”
How dementia might affect a driver
A safe driver must use a range of mental abilities, many of which can be affected by dementia. The Alzheimer’s Society lists these as:
- Focus and attention – multitasking while ‘reading’ the road.
- Visuospatial skills – the right speed, distance and road position.
- Problem-solving skills – dealing with diversions or obstacles.
- Judgement and decision-making – understanding and preparing for the action of others.
- Reaction skills – to act quickly to avoid an incident.
- Memory – to remember a route.
Tim Parry, director at Alzheimer’s Research UK, added: “Ongoing Covid-19 restrictions in the UK are making in-person opportunities to get involved in research challenging, but there are still opportunities, with many research studies, like this one, available online.
“Without volunteers, we will not be able to make the progress in research that people with dementia and their loved ones deserve. Alzheimer’s Research UK is a founding partner in the national service Join Dementia Research, which matches volunteers to research studies they are eligible to take part in.”
Anyone wishing to take part in the study should visit the Join Dementia Research website.
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