Regardless of age, driving is equated with freedom and independence. When we tell someone they can no longer drive we are taking away that independence. As early onset Alzheimer’s progresses, the day will come when your loved one should not be driving any type of motor vehicle. As cognitive abilities and reaction time decrease, many things can go wrong very quickly when they are driving. This could lead to major injuries for your loved one and others who are on the road. The following are some of the problems that may begin to occur with respect to driving:
- Having accidents or near misses
- Failing to observe traffic signals
- Delayed and slow reflexes resulting in slow or poor decisions
- Driving at inappropriate speeds
- Getting traffic tickets
- Forgetting how to get to their destination
- Places that were once familiar are no longer unfamiliar
- Becoming confused and angry
Some people will voluntarily give up driving because they become scared after getting lost or having an accident. However, many people will refuse to give up driving once it becomes necessary. Below are some suggestions that can work to limit and give up driving:
- Have the doctor write a “do not drive” prescription
- Disable the car by removing the distributor cap or car battery
- Park the car at a neighbor or family member’s home
- Substitute the person’s driver’s license with a photo identification card (do this in addition to disabling or removing the car)