Recently I read an article from the Associated Press that talked about continued driving for Alzheimer’s patients. A 35 mile drive through a rural community monitored by mini cameras in the car was constructed. On average the Alzheimer’s drivers committed 42 safety mistakes compared with 33 for other drivers. Some Alzheimer patients, however, drove just as well as their healthier counterparts.

According to this article, here’s the key: Researchers also checked whether any of a battery of neuropsychological tests given beforehand accurately predicted who would drive worse – some did. Fluncking simple memory tests didn’t make a difference. Standard neurologic tests of multitasking abilities did, ones that assess if people’s cognitive, visual, and motor skills work together in a way to make quick decisions.

Much research is being done to come up with standard tests that can evaluate when it’s time to give up the keys. The need is great as the Boomers aproach an older age.

Submitted by Jim Kummer – President at A Caring Choice, Inc.

Call A Caring Choice at (513) 574-4148 if your loved one needs help at home.