Alzheimer's Disease and Driving

BY JED LEVINE

Thursday, February 1, 2007 4:33 PM EST

Q: Should my mother, who has Alzheimer’s disease, stop driving? If so, how do I get her to stop after driving for nearly sixty years?

A: This is a difficult decision for everyone involved. Remember, your mother may be feeling a loss of control at this time, so it is essential you are sensitive to her feelings when addressing this matter.

Driving necessitates quick reactions, clear sensory abilities and split-second decisions. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is not, on its own, a reason to withdraw driving privileges.

The determining factor should be your mother’s driving ability. If she poses a serious risk to herself or others, driving privileges must be withheld. If she wants to drive, a formal assessment of skills should be administered such as an on-the-road driving evaluation by trained personnel.

If it is determined she should stop, you may have to control access to her keys, park the car on another block or out of view in a neighbor's driveway, disable the car or confiscate her license and replace it with a photo identification card.

Consider selling the car and using that money for public transportation or a driver. Here are some tips when speaking with your mother:

Discuss the problem frankly, firmly and positively. Consider saying, “I’m concerned about your safety and the safety of other people on the road.” Avoid arguing or giving long explanations. Focus on activities she can still do.

Offer alternatives. Consider saying, “We’re taking a new route,” “The weather conditions make the car difficult to drive,” “It’s your turn to enjoy the scenery,” or “I want to let you rest today.”

Enlist help from others to talk with her about not driving. Ask your doctor to write a prescription saying, “No Driving.” Ask a respected family authority figure or attorney to reinforce the message or have the insurance company tell your mother she will no longer be covered.

For help with this or any other dementia situation or for a list of our services, visit our website www.alznyc.org or call our 24-hour helpline 1-800-272-3900. There is always a caring and informed person at the other end of the line to help you.

The Alzheimer’s Association,
New York City Chapter

If you have a question for the Alzheimer’s Association, New York City Chapter, please send it to Jed Levine at expert@alznyc.org