The “Co-pilot driveer syndrome:” A newly-reported driving habit in patients with Alzheimer's diseas

Abstract

When should I take away the car keys? Is it still safe for him/her to drive? Are all patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD) a hazard on the road? What about driving for short distances in a familiar territory? Can people with AD drive with family or caregiver supervision? Those are but a few of the difficult questions asked by caregivers of people with AD. There is confusion regarding the optimal time to recommend that a patient with AD stop driving.^1-5 In an attempt to assist caregivers with this difficult question, guidelines have been issued, although they frequently have conflicting recommendations in this matter.^6-10

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