Alzheimer's Association Offers New Tools to Aid Difficult Driving Conversations

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Oct 11, 2011, 11:29 ET

- 100% of People with Alzheimer's Will Eventually be Unable to Drive Safely -

- Families Struggle with When and How to Take Car Keys Away -

CHICAGO, Oct. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Driving demands quick reaction time and fast problem solving. Due to the progressive nature of the disease, every person with Alzheimer's will eventually become unable to drive. The Alzheimer's Association recommends that families discuss driving before a crisis, ideally while the person with Alzheimer's is still able to participate in the conversation and decision-making process.

"Driving is often associated with autonomy, so relinquishing car keys can be a very emotional and stressful process," said Beth Kallmyer, MSW, director of constituent services at the Alzheimer's Association. "Educating yourself on approaches and options prior to having this difficult conversation can help ease the transition for everyone involved."

To assist with these conversations, the Alzheimer's Association created four short videos depicting different scenarios for approaching driving and dementia. Watching the videos may give families an idea of how to start the conversation or how to respond to a particular objection. In one video, a woman in the early stages of Alzheimer's drafts a contract saying she will reach a point when she can no longer drive and gives her children permission to step in. If the person with the disease is more resistant, another technique shown in the new videos is to secure a doctor's "prescription" advising the person the Alzheimer's to no longer drive.

Following each of the videos is a list of tips and techniques families can use when having the conversation about driving. The videos are housed within the Alzheimer's Association online Dementia and Driving Resource Center, which contains helpful information about recognizing when driving is unsafe, finding alternate transportation and getting a driving evaluation. The project was supported by a grant from the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"Talking to loved ones who have Alzheimer's disease about handing over their car keys can be difficult – especially if the individual is unable or unwilling to recognize their declining abilities," said Administrator David Strickland of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. "We are proud to have partnered with the Alzheimer's Association on the development of these important tools to help individuals with dementia transition away from driving with dignity."

Some people are able to continue driving in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, but it requires ongoing evaluation to ensure safety. Following are tips from the Alzheimer's Association that it may be time to stop driving:

Forgetting how to locate familiar places
Failing to observe traffic signs
Making slow or poor decisions in traffic
Driving at an inappropriate speed
Becoming angry or confused while driving
Hitting curbs
Using poor lane control
Making errors at intersections
Confusing the brake and gas pedals
Returning from a routine drive later than usual
Forgetting the destination you are driving to during the trip

The Alzheimer's Association also provides example driving contracts and local evaluation specialists. For more information on dementia and driving, visit www.alz.org/driving.

About the Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. Visit www.alz.org or call 800-272-3900.

SOURCE Alzheimer's Association