Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease

A diagnosis of Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can influence a person’s driving abilities, particularly in areas of decision-making, divided attention and reaction time. Our specialised OTs work with you to ensure you can continue to drive in a safe and careful manner.

The Assessment Process

The OT driving assessment is composed of 3 parts:

  1. Off-road assessment involving visual, cognitive and physical tests.
  2. On-road driving assessment with OT and driving instructor in dual control vehicle.
  3. OT report with recommendations, including driving lessons if needed. Your referring doctor and RMS will get copies of the report.

The difference with Modified Driving Solutions

We’re ready to help you stay on the road safely

 Highly trained OTs

 Friendly Occupational Therapists with comprehensive experience in assessing the effects of cognitive conditions on driving capacity.

Recommendations

Customised recommendations for specialised driving lessons if required. RMS is notified of any necessary changes to your licence.

Beyond the assessment

OT monitors driving progress and follows up with OT driving reassessments.

Driving-with-a-medical-condition
Driving With Dementia: What Families Need to Know

Dementia background Dementia is a term used to characterise a [...]

Driving-with-a-medical-condition
Dealing with driving cessation

For many people, driving is a crucial part of their lives, [...]

dementia driving
Does Dementia Mean You Must Stop Driving? Understanding Fitness to Drive

Dementia explained Dementia is an umbrella term that is used [...]

FAQ

Yes, it is possible to continue driving following a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The RMS must be notified and your doctor will need to submit the RMS medical fitness to drive assessment. Depending on the severity of the condition and concerns about driving, an OT driving assessment may be requested. Annual OT driving assessments are also usually recommended to monitor the person’s condition.

Your doctor should refer you to see a Driver Trained OT if there are concerns that the condition is affecting your driving skills. Along with cognitive testing (e.g. MMSE and MOCA assessments), your doctor will also look for other signs such as memory lapses, impaired judgement or confusion. Your family may also raise concerns if there is a history of accidents or near-misses.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are cognitive conditions that diminish skills such as memory, judgement, attention/concentration, reaction time and decision-making. A person’s family will often become concerned about driving if they are getting lost in familiar places, slowly respond to hazards, confusion when driving (e.g. unsure what to do at busy intersections), or not staying in their lane. The RMS must be notified once a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease has been established.