| For most people, driving is a necessity as well as | | | | his hands can become tricky. Here are some |
| a symbol of independence. There are very few | | | | warning signs that will help you make the decision: |
| people that will easily give up their independence | | | | - Car accidents |
| and give you the keys to their vehicle. Yet for | | | | - Stopping in traffic for no apparent reason. |
| individuals with Alzheimer's disease, driving a | | | | - Getting confused between the brake and the |
| vehicle can pose serious risks and endanger | | | | gas pedals |
| themselves or others. The decision of when to | | | | - Getting a ticket for moving violations |
| stop driving is one that Alzheimer's patients and | | | | - Getting lost when places are familiar |
| their families often face. | | | | - Getting agitated or irritated when they are |
| There are many opinions concerning the issue of | | | | driving |
| driving for the Alzheimer's patient. If he trusts his | | | | - Not anticipating dangerous situations |
| physician, the doctor may have more success | | | | - Delayed responses to unexpected situations |
| than the primary care giver in letting the patient | | | | - Driving at inappropriate speeds |
| know when to stop driving. The physician may be | | | | - Incorrect signaling |
| trusted by the patient and be able to explain to | | | | - Getting confused at exists |
| him that his medical condition may interfere with | | | | - Switching into a wrong lane |
| his driving. This scenario is good for the caregiver | | | | If some of the warning signs above are present, |
| as it takes the responsibility off you and puts it | | | | then it's time for family members to gather and |
| on the medical condition, with the physician being | | | | discuss the problem. Sometimes it is easier to be |
| the messenger. | | | | together to face a difficult decision and intervene |
| Below you will find some guidelines for | | | | at an early stage when signs of impairment are |
| approaching this sensitive issue with your family | | | | not yet critical |
| and your loved one. Ask your relatives to back | | | | The accident rate for drivers 85 years old and |
| you by being pleasantly supportive of your loved | | | | over is nine times higher than drivers between |
| one. For a while, make sure he has a ride to | | | | ages 25 and 69. The primary care giver may |
| familiar frequented places. Routine is so important. | | | | perform routine exams to assess the ability and |
| Humor is almost always a positive way to cope | | | | skills of the patient and conform to state and local |
| with this situation. A fun way of approaching the | | | | restrictions and laws. If you are concerned about |
| subject is to tell him how lucky he is to have his | | | | your loved one's driving, take measures to keep |
| own chauffeur! | | | | him and others safe on the road. |
| However, knowing when to take the keys out of | | | | |