Can a Person with Alzheimer’s Still Drive?

There are signs to look for when determining if your family member or loved one should stop driving after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s does not mean that someone must automatically stop driving. Recent studies show that the accident rate tends to increase as the disease progresses. Some signs to take careful watch of include noticing your family member feel unfamiliar in common places, running red lights, not paying attention, getting into small accidents, etc. People oftentimes take precautions when it is too late. The state department of driving services also offers a driving evaluation to the caregivers of patients with dementia to see if the driver is at an appropriate level to drive. Breaking the news to the loved one with Alzheimer’s can be hard, but when they come to the realization that they will be saving money and can even increase their current relationships with people by riding the bus or getting a ride. Public transportation is an affordable and reliable form of transportation and should be explained to the loved one. Many people are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and some are able to continue driving. Be aware of the signs that your loved one should be removed from the road.

Key Points:

  • 1People with dementia can be a danger to people on the road, and if left unchecked, could cause damage.
  • 2Some common warning signs are often associated with dementia. Things like: forgetting where they are or forgetting driving guidelines.
  • 3Help people who need to stop driving by helping them make travel arrangements.


If you are unsure if a loved one needs to stop driving, an occupational therapist who has specific training in evaluating drivers who have dementia can help.
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Written by HealthStatus
Medical Writer & Editor

HealthStatus has been operating since 1998 providing the best interactive health tools on the Internet, millions of visitors have used our health risk assessment, body fat and calories burned calculators. The HealthStatus editorial team has continued that commitment to excellence by providing our visitors with easy to understand high quality health content for many years.

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