Driving Performance and Self-Regulation Practices in Drivers with Dementia

Research and analysis
Despite the high prevalence of dementia in older drivers, a substantial gap remains in the evidence regarding the natural progression of the disease and its impact on driving performance and driver self-regulation practices.
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The aim of this research was to assess longitudinal changes in the driving performance, driving self-regulation, mobility and satisfaction with mobility for older drivers with mild dementia, compared to that of older drivers without dementia.

A three-year prospective cohort study will be undertaken and will be made up of three phases:

  • Phase 1 - will be undertaken to examine the natural driving patterns and self-regulation practices of older drivers with mild dementia, compared to older drivers without dementia at baseline and one year after the initial assessment.
  • Phase 2 - of the study will utilise a state-of-the-art driving simulator to assess the driving performance of the 350 participants recruited in Phase One at baseline and one year after the initial assessment.
  • Phase 3 - involves undertaking a Delphi Study to establish consensus on evidence-based recommendations arising from Phase One and Two to manage the driving safety for older drivers with dementia. The Delphi Study will comprise of 25 experts representing key stakeholder groups who will be asked questions regarding the relevance of the study’s results, the feasibility of the potential recommendations and how to implement them.