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How might Alzheimer’s disease affect safe driving?

The effects of Alzheimer’s disease are different for each person. Some of the effects of this disease may interfere with your ability to drive.

For example:

Memory

You may have difficulty remembering things and familiar places.

Decision making
You may find it more difficult to make decisions.

Attention
You may have difficulty doing more than one thing at a time or you may be easily distracted.

Reaction time
Your reaction time may be slowed.

Judgement
You may not recognize when you can no longer do tasks safely.

Impulsiveness
You may act quickly without always thinking about your actions.

Warning signs of unsafe driving

  • You lose your way.

  • You have less confidence in your driving skills.

  • You notice other drivers honk at you.

  • You miss stop signs or traffic lights.

  • You mix up gas and brake pedals.

  • You have problems with lane changes or merging.

  • You have minor accidents or traffic tickets.

  • Your passenger needs to help you.

  • Family and friends refuse to get in the car with you.

If these warning signs reflect your situation, maybe it is time to make some changes to your driving strategies or have your driving evaluated.