New Guidelines Issued For Drivers With Dementia

April, 12, 2010— -- Having mild dementia is no longer a reason to take away an elderly person's car keys, according to newly revised guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology.

Citing new evidence that 76 percent of drivers with dementia could still pass on-road skills tests, the AAN changed guidelines that previously discouraged any driving once someone was diagnosed with mild dementia or Alzheimer's. The updated guidelines were unveiled an the AAN's annual meeting in Toronto.

"The previous recommendation was that patients with mild dementia should not drive, and that recommendation has been softened," said Dr. Donald Iverson of the Humboldt Neurological Medical Group, Inc., and lead author of the guidelines.

The guidelines cast some light on what is often a contentious issue within families -- when to take away an elderly parent's car keys. It often pits public safety against life fulfillment, as an elderly person's social life has been linked with well being and a longer existence.

The guidelines give more latitude to families and doctors caring for patients with mild dementia or Alzheimer's. But Iverson said further discussion is still needed on what steps to take with elderly drivers as skills worsen with the progression of the disease.

"A demented person behind the wheel of a vehicle can be equivalent to that person having a loaded weapon," said Dr. Sam Gandy, Associate Director of the Mount Sinai Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. "Many news reports of 'out of control' vehicles driven by elderly drivers and plowing into crowds of bystanders are examples of one of the worst outcomes of failing to recognize this problem."

Red flags include driving fewer miles, collisions, moving violations, avoiding driving at night or in the rain and displays of "aggressive or impulsive personality traits."

The revised guidelines also discuss steps doctors can take in the clinic. Iverson said the guidelines are not a directive but rather a resource for physicians to help them determine how to handle patients and their automobiles.

"One should not make arbitrary decisions about stopping driving based on a somewhat arbitrary label of 'mild' dementia," said Steven Ferris, a professor at New York University's Alzheimer's Disease Center. "Actual driving competence varies considerably in mild dementia and such decisions should be made based on observation of actual driving performance, and in close consultation with an experienced professional who has good knowledge about dementia and the particular patient."

Added Ferris, "Driving can also be phased out gradually as the illness progresses, such as by limiting driving to daytime and to familiar locations near home."