Driving difficulties
People with dementia may not realize they’re having trouble behind the wheel, but family and friends could observe potential problems, says the National Institute on Aging (NIA). While a number of physical factors can contribute to an older adult’s declining ability to drive—from joint stiffness to vision problems—Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can also cause on-the-road issues by impacting memory and decision-making skills.
If an older adult is showing signs of driving problems, such as forgetting how to find familiar places, loved ones should contact their doctor to determine if it’s no longer safe to be behind the wheel, the NIA urges.
