Driving following a diagnosis of dementia: Exploring the views and experiences of people with dementia—A UK survey

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundDriving cessation can be one of the adjustments made following a diagnosis of dementia. Little is known about the views and opinions of people living with dementia about this. The study aimed to gather a broad idea of the expectations, impacts and the process of driving cessation from the perspective of those living with dementia.Methods138 people with dementia and 91 relatives/friends (on behalf of an individual with dementia) took part in an online questionnaire.ResultsPeople living with dementia reported stopping driving following diagnosis can have negative psychological impacts particularly in relation to; feelings of isolation, depression, loss of freedom and feeling life isn’t worth living. Age, gender and choice in the driving cessation process were related to the degree of negative experiences.ConclusionsThe difficulties reported by people with dementia suggest a need to provide more structured post diagnostic support to aid decision making of driving continuation or cessation; with the view to reducing associated distress and enabling people with dementia to continue to live a meaningful life.