| Alzheimer's
Disease & Driving When Is It Not Safe? |
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(Page 2) Judgment One of the first likely areas of intellectual functioning to be affected is that of judgment. Mastering the skills of operating a moving vehicle requires coordination, precise judgment and the ability to make quick and constant decisions. A person with Alzheimer's disease may appear to be able to routinely operate a vehicle without complications, however, what isn't apparent is that their decision making skills are becoming more impaired over time. Critical decision making judgments as to safe travel speeds, navigational maneuvers around steep or curved turns, as well as complying with highway instructions all become major challenges. Disorientation & Memory Loss Disorientation and memory loss are also areas that will effect the safe operation of the vehicle. Persons with Alzheimer's disease may not be able to process a lot of new information and may be overwhelmed by the distraction and volume of highway traffic. The person may be unable to remember specific navigational landmarks that once guided them around town safely. It is not unusual for experienced drivers with Alzheimer's disease to become lost literally blocks away from their own home. Your loved one may also be unable to distinguish and properly engage the necessary operational features of the vehicle such as emergency lights, night-lights, turn signals, etc. Weather conditions that warrant the balancing of inside air pressure such as defrosting or low/high speed wiper use may also pose visual problems for the person who is forgetful. Another area of concern with person's who are affected with Alzheimer's disease and other memory impairments is their ability to appropriately respond to emergency situations when involved in accidents. These individuals may have no recollection of being involved in accidents and may even leave the scene as a result of their impairment Shortened Attention Span The third area of impairment that can have a major impact on your loved one's ability to drive safely is their shortened attention span. Concentrating long periods of time especially when traveling long distances can be very challenging. Attention span lapses can place them and others in danger when one fails to remember or act upon the proper instructions of stop signs, merging or switching lanes or maneuvering through traffic lights. The person's ability to concentrate and follow highway instructions over an extended period of time becomes more difficult. Attention to critical details such as speed compliance, lane transfers and traveling through congested intersections are effected over time. |