Cognitive decline can affect driving since parts of the brain have been affected. Driving is a complicated skill requiring someone to be in good physical condition and for their brain system to work optimally. Therefore cognitive changes can affect one’s ability to drive safely
Complex brain functions control driving
The brain comprises four pairs of lobes (frontal, parietal, occipital and temporal lobes) which are important when someone is driving. For example, the visual object system in the temporal and occipital lobes processes images you see to help you differentiate bicycles, pedestrians and cars on the road. On the other hand, the parietal lobes and the auditory system in the superior temporal lobe keep the driver alert to horns and danger signs.
The decision-making system in the frontal lobe uses auditory, spatial, visual and motion information to determine the speed one should maintain. The motor system in the brain will then translate the decisions into how hard the foot can press the pedals and the turning of the steering wheel.
After learning how to drive, most of the routine driving will be unconscious or automatic. There is evidence that drives go through their routine driving without conscious effort. However, whenever a situation requires, the conscious mind will take control. For instance, if you are driving on an icy road or when it is raining, the conscious mind will devote all your attention to driving.
Severe Alzheimer’s disease affects someone’s driving.
Therefore cognitive decline in the form of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias will affect someone’s driving. Alzheimer’s disease affects different brain regions, including the lobes responsible for visual, attention, auditory, and decision-making abilities.
It is vital to note that not everybody with AD should stop driving. It depends on disease severity and the cognitive abilities impaired. Therefore if someone has severe Alzheimer’s, they should not drive, but if it is mild, one can still drive safely.
Research shows that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease had an average of 0.09 car crashes annually relative to 004 crashes in age-matched healthy individuals.
