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Dementia and Driving: When to Stop or Seek Help

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작성자 Val
조회 7회 작성일 25-12-16 04:00

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Driving is far more than a practical means of transportation—but when dementia impairs cognition, it can turn a routine trip into a serious risk.


Dementia undermines critical driving skills—memory, オンライン認知症検査 reaction time, spatial awareness, judgment, and information processing.


Subtle changes may slip under the radar—a person may get lost on streets they’ve traveled for decades.


They might suddenly slam on the brakes or speed up erratically.


They seem unaware of road markers, signals, or people nearby.


Some become overly cautious, creeping along at unsafe speeds.


Family members usually detect these changes before the driver does.


It’s common for individuals to deny any impairment.


They might become hostile when questioned.


Frame the discussion around care, not control.


Center the talk on well-being, not independence.


Talk to their healthcare provider first.


A medical professional can evaluate cognitive function.


They may refer you to a certified driving rehabilitation specialist.


They offer objective data, not opinions.


A short break may be recommended for safety.


Driver retraining may help maintain mobility.


Customizations such as wide-angle mirrors or automated alerts can enhance safety.


When risks outweigh abilities, it’s time to stop driving.


This decision reflects responsibility, not weakness.


Plan early—don’t wait for a crash or citation.


Talk about driving while they still have insight.


Explore alternatives: ride-share apps, public transit, senior shuttles, or volunteer driver networks.


Give them a voice in planning their mobility options.


Connecting with others who’ve faced this can ease the transition.


Losing the keys can feel like losing a part of who you are.


Recognize the grief, honor their autonomy, and support new routines.


No single rule fits all cases.


When risk becomes undeniable, inaction is dangerous.


It’s not giving in—it’s choosing compassion over pride.


True autonomy means staying safe, not staying behind the wheel