Start the conversation

At some point, a person living with Alzheimer's disease will no longer be able to drive. Talk about this eventuality with your loved one early and plan his or her retirement from driving.

This might be a difficult conversation — possibly the first of many. Losing the independence driving provides can be upsetting. Keep in mind your loved one's feelings. Show support and empathy. If you encounter resistance, explain that it is a safety issue and appeal to the person's sense of responsibility. Talk about the alternatives to driving. You might also ask the person's doctor, a respected authority figure or your attorney to help you reinforce your point.

If possible, have the person living with Alzheimer's disease sign a driving contract while still in the early stages of dementia. The contract will give you permission to help him or her stop driving when necessary.