It can be hard to drive even in the best of times. But when driving, you might notice early signs of dementia in your loved ones.
Click on the blue circle with the star to learn about where you might see early signs of dementia in this space.
Distances
Trouble with tasks that require your eyesight to connect with your thinking
For some people with dementia or memory problems, it may be more difficult to judge distances and understand where things are.
Tip: You may tell the person with memory problems not to park in a tight spot. You can also help them park by guiding them.
Navigation
Getting confused with time or place
A person with memory problems or dementia may have trouble following a driving route, even if they have driven it many times before. They may become lost much more often.
Tip: You can offer to ride with them and give them directions. This can be done by asking the driver, “Now, this is where you usually turn, isn’t it?”
Road Signs
Trouble with tasks that require eyesight to connect with your thinking
A person with dementia or memory problems may find it hard to understand road signs. Because of this they may get lost and not know the speed limit or other important information.
Tip: While a person with memory problems is driving, you can help by being calm. You can also mention road signs, so the person with dementia can think about them.
Trouble with tasks that require your eyesight to connect with your thinking
For some people with dementia or memory problems, it may be more difficult to judge distances and understand where things are.
Tip: You may tell the person with memory problems not to park in a tight spot. You can also help them park by guiding them.
Trouble with tasks that require eyesight to connect with your thinking
A person with dementia or memory problems may find it hard to understand road signs. Because of this they may get lost and not know the speed limit or other important information.
Tip: While a person with memory problems is driving, you can help by being calm. You can also mention road signs, so the person with dementia can think about them.
Getting confused with time or place
A person with memory problems or dementia may have trouble following a driving route, even if they have driven it many times before. They may become lost much more often.
Tip: You can offer to ride with them and give them directions. This can be done by asking the driver, “Now, this is where you usually turn, isn’t it?”
