Are you worried that your parent or grandparent is unsafe behind the wheel? Dementia affects everyone differently, but it often disrupts the motor skills and cognitive skills that are necessary for safe driving. While the pace and severity of the disease are unpredictable, a diagnosis is always a good reason to pay closer attention to driving with dementia. From disorientation and aggression to slow response times and poor reasoning abilities, common dementia symptoms are downright dangerous when mixed with motor vehicles. As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, it may fall to loved ones to recognize the warning signs and take action for people who are driving with dementia.
Of course, you don’t want to make this call too early and risk alienating or limiting the independence of someone you love—or wait too long and take an even bigger risk.
Some indicators include:
1. Recent Tickets, Accidents, or Unexplained Damage
2. Confusion Over Colors, Words, or Road Rules
3. Refusing to Drive With Others
And more!
Read the six biggest warning signs here.
