Abstract
Neuropsychological tests measure several aspects of cognition and are useful to evaluate elderly drivers with cognitive impairment. However, there is no consensus on a standard battery of tests that could accurately predict safe driving. The aim of this study is to review specific neuropsychological measures that may be useful to predict driving competence of demented individuals. To address neuropsychological tests used for dementia and the ability to drive, the authors searched for the keywords dementia, Alzheimer's, drive, driver, drivers, driving, tests, neuropsychological, and assessment, in Medline, PubMed, ISI and SciELO databases seeking articles from 2000 to 2008. From 131 articles, 27 met the inclusion criteria. Porteus Maze, Clock drawing, Trail B, UFOV and NAB Tests were found to be the most relevant neuropsychological measures for the evaluation of fitness to drive. Porteus Maze, Clock Drawing, Trail B, UFOV and NAB tests highlight visuospatial attention demands and/ or executive function. Those and other visuospatial and executive measures may be useful to predict driving competence of demented individuals.
Highlights
Preserved motor, perceptual, and cognitive functions are necessary for driving competence
The aim of this study is to review the evidence of specific neuropsychological measures that may be useful to predict driving competence of demented individuals
Studies published in peer-reviewed journals that correlated driving performance with neuropsychological tests in demented drivers were included in this review
Summary
Perceptual, and cognitive functions are necessary for driving competence. Impairment in such areas affects the ability to drive and may cause accidents and fatal crashes. The risk of motor vehicle crashes for individuals with cognitive decline was first reported in 19671. Physicians are constantly faced by situations in which they are asked to decide on whether the elderly should give up driving. This is a key issue in clinical practice with the elderly, since it affects the freedom to circulate and some aspects of self-esteem of people who have always been independent
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