Hello Doctor,

Thanks for this post at this exact time. I needed to be reminded of my responsibility to myself and others in regard to driving. I am 57 and have Early Onset Alzheimer's. I have come across individuals on some message boards/chat lines that are almost militant that you must immediately cease driving when diagnosed. I was almost frightened to admit to them I still was driving. They were so vehement in their feelings. I feel that each person is different and at this time, after reading your valuable post I can continue for the time being to drive. I have not lost all of my functional capabilities.

I have a weekly lunch date with a friend and I normally always drive as she has some minor vision problems. We were talking last week about our limited driving and she commented that I am a good driver. I also feel that I do well. I do sometimes get a little confused in construction areas and when in turn lanes and trying to figure out where to go and when I can go. But then again, I figure who doesn't have a problem with that.

I feel that following directions are a little different than the physical functions of driving to get there. Yes they go hand in hand but as Leah said, there are aids to help with the directions. The GPS will keep one from trying to read a piece of paper with scribbled instructions. I have to be very specific, almost elementary. My directions from one place to another look like a 3rd grader wrote them. Very few words. I always print out my directions on in large print on a large piece of paper. Very Basic. If I take them from MapQuest or Rand McNally I have to physically write them out in basic language in huge print on my 8 X 11 piece of paper.

I try to make them as easy to read as possible while driving. Remember, driving and reading directions is multi-tasking and many of us, myself included, are not always able to multi-task.  

But, I should admit I had a scary episode last Friday when going to a friend's new home. She had given me great instructions. I had traveled this particular interstate section for 2 years going to my previous job. I was familiar with the area and still totally missed the exit. It was a small one with no stores or anything at the exit. I just blew right past it.  I knew about where it was but I guess was just not paying attention even though I thought I was. I got about 4/5 miles past and was all the way to my work exit and was pretty sure I must have missed my turn. I called my friend almost in a panic. Was I on the right freeway, did I go the wrong way when I got on? What had happened? She assured me it was no big deal I had just missed the exit. I was in tears. I should have known where it was. I could not believe I missed it. On and On I beat myself up. Was this the beginning of the end of my driving?  Now I have once again decided,  I am a good driver. I am just a little hypersensitive about when I make a simple mistake. That is all it was, a mistake.

So I am OK for the time being. I have a GPS as suggested by Leah. I just have not used it as I keep thinking I can do this. I am familiar with this area. But, I need to use it. Even if I think I know where I am going it will sound off and tell me, GIRL, GET OFF THE FREEWAY NOW. 

There are so many of us EOAD patients out there on the road. We really must be cognizant of our abilities and disabilities. We need to use our tools. I just pray when the necessary time comes to quit driving I will know and simply pass over my keys to my hubby. Your post will help me and my family to continue to evaluate this important function.

Thanks again.

Lynn

Hello.

I had a very hard time dealing with my step-father and driving.  This had nothing to do with his medications, since he is not taking any.  He had many driving problems, but the big problem was going to the tavern and having "One" beer.  He would forget he had drank "one" so would have another "one", etc, etc, etc.  Obviously, this was NOT acceptable.  Nothing I could say or do would get him off the road legally.  I hid his keys and he would take a cab to the car dealer and have another set made, etc.  For some reason, my step-dad could pull the wool over his doctor's eyes so this behavior went on daily for months until I could convince his doctor that he was unsafe to drive.  Anyway, the doctor sent a "cease-license request" to the Minnesota State Hwy Safety Dept. and they sent a letter to my step-father stating he had lost his driving privileges until he took a state sanctioned driver's test, both written and practical.  Needless to say, my step-father couldn't even fill out his name and address on the form much less pass the 2 hour written part of the test, so he now is an angry guy with no license.  Better that, than being a killer-on-the-road.

I think that each person with dementia should be evaluated on a case by case basis.  Some people will be able to drive well and other's won't.  I feel that if there are doubts, make a person rake a test.  If they can pass, they can drive.  Simple as that.  There are many people who are not capable of driving safely that do NOT have dementia or take certian drugs.