In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia, some people are able to continue driving. However, as their memory and decision-making skills get worse, at some point it will no longer be safe for them to be behind the wheel.
People with dementia often do not realize they are having driving problems. Family members and friends will need to carefully observe the person’s driving for signs that it’s no longer safe for them to drive. A few signs that someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia may need to stop driving include:
- New dents or scrapes on the car or multiple near misses or crashes
- Making sudden lane changes or other poor decisions in traffic
- Speeding or driving too slowly
- Comments from neighbors or friends about unsafe driving
- Recommendations from a doctor to modify driving habits or quit driving
