As the global population ages, the number of older drivers with cognitive impairment increases, necessitating a deeper understanding of the factors influencing their driving status.
This article examines a study that investigates the predictors of driving status among older adults with cognitive impairment, with a particular focus on age, sex, cognitive impairment level, ethnicity, preferred language, and activities of daily living (ADLs).
Additionally, the article explores the impact of cultural and social influences on driving prevalence, as well as the complexities surrounding discussions between caregivers and care-recipients regarding driving cessation.
The Study Findings
The study analyzed a cohort of older adults with a mean Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score of 17, and the results revealed that 61% of them were still driving. However, a clear association was found between cognitive impairment and driving status. Individuals with higher cognitive impairment were less likely to be driving, indicating that cognitive decline negatively affects driving safety.
For instance, individuals who preferred speaking Spanish (MA-Span) had lower odds of driving compared to those who preferred speaking English (NHW-Eng). Moreover, MA-Eng individuals had higher odds of driving at lower MoCA scores but lower odds of driving at higher MoCA scores compared to NHW-Eng individuals.
The Impact of Dementia on Driving Safety
The study echoes findings from previous research indicating that dementia and cognitive impairment impair several crucial driving skills. Participants who failed a driving exam exhibited deficits in following instructions, making decisions, interpreting traffic signs, staying within their lanes, making complete stops, and understanding their impact on other road users. This highlights the potential dangers of cognitive impairment for driving safety.
Challenges in Discussing Driving Cessation
Additionally, driving cessation can increase caregiving burden. To facilitate these discussions, several factors should be considered, such as the caregiver and care-recipient’s understanding of dementia in the context of driving, the nature of their relationship, and access to post-driving support. Advanced Driving Directives (ADD) can also be useful tools in guiding these conversations and promoting acceptance of driving cessation.
Driving Prevalence in Different Ethnic Groups
While the study did not find significant differences in driving prevalence between Latinx (MA) and non-Hispanic White (NHW) individuals, cultural and social influences likely contribute to the composition of the driving population. Interestingly, a higher proportion of never-drivers was observed among female and MA individuals.
Past studies have also shown a higher prevalence of never-drivers among females and an increasing representation of Latinx individuals among never-drivers over time. This suggests that cultural factors and social determinants, such as vehicle ownership costs, may influence driving accessibility.
Study Strengths and Limitations
The study’s strengths lie in its population-based cohort design and inclusive recruitment methods that allowed participation from Spanish-speaking MA individuals. However, the analysis being cross-sectional limits the establishment of causality. Additionally, using the MoCA as the sole measure of cognitive impairment might not capture the full extent of cognitive decline. Furthermore, potential caregiver bias in reporting driving status could have influenced the findings, although efforts were made to minimize this bias.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study emphasizes that a significant proportion of older adults with cognitive impairment continue to drive despite concerns raised by caregivers. It also identifies important predictors of driving status, including age, sex, cognitive impairment level, ethnicity, preferred language, and ADL abilities.
The findings underscore the need for tailored interventions and support to address the safety and accessibility of older adult drivers. Furthermore, cultural and social influences play a role in driving prevalence, making it essential to consider diverse factors in promoting road safety and functional independence for individuals with cognitive impairment. Future research is necessary to develop effective strategies that ensure the safety of both drivers and pedestrians while preserving social engagement and autonomy for as long as possible.
reference link : https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jgs.18493
