When to stop driving

People with mild dementia are at a much greater risk of unsafe driving compared with people of the same age without dementia. The American Academy of Neurology recommends that people with mild dementia strongly consider discontinuing driving.

Some people with dementia may decide they no longer want to drive because they are concerned about safety. Others may be reluctant to stop driving, and they may not be aware of a decline in their driving skills.

Regular assessments during office visits may help your doctor identify a decline in abilities that indicate a greater risk. Your doctor may ask for feedback from the person with dementia and a caregiver separately to assess risks. Signs of unsafe driving include:

• Getting lost when driving to familiar places
• Not staying in the lane
• Confusing the brake and gas pedals
• Failing to observe traffic signs
• Making slow or poor decisions
• Hitting the curb while driving
• Driving too slowly or speeding
• Becoming angry or confused while driving
• Getting into an accident or getting tickets

If the individual with mild dementia has not shown signs of unsafe driving and would like to continue to drive, your physician may recommend a roadside driving evaluation by a professional such as an occupational therapist.

An occupational therapist can evaluate the impact of the disease on a person's ability to drive and offer strategies for driving safely, as well as when and how to reduce or stop driving. The American Occupational Therapy Association has a national database of driving specialists.

State regulations regarding dementia and driving restrictions vary. Your doctor may be required to report a diagnosis of dementia. The local motor vehicle department can provide information about relevant state guidelines or laws.