December 2002

How Long Can Dad Drive?

The Hartford's Survey on Alzheimer's Disease and Driving Finds Families Need Help

December 2002 (Newstream) - Most families say they are in the best position to know when a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or dementia should give up driving, according to a recent national survey sponsored by The Hartford Financial Services Group (NYSE: HIG). Yet, 51 percent of those with an afflicted family member or friend say they are unsure or don't know enough to make an informed decision.

The Hartford, one of the nation's leading providers of automobile insurance to people 50 and older, released its survey findings for November's National Alzheimer's Month. The nationally representative survey of 1068 adults was conducted in July and has a margin of error rate of 3.0 percent.

Beverly Hynes-Grace, The Hartford's vice president of corporate gerontology, says a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is not always a signal to stop driving. "As people are diagnosed earlier in the development of the disease and with today's better medication, we are finding many people can still drive safely for a period of time," she said.

Currently, there is no single reliable test to determine whether or not a person with dementia should be driving. An estimated four million Americans have Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.

"Our survey found that 62 percent of families feel that they are in the best position to decide when a spouse or parent should stop driving," said Hynes-Grace. "But most families lack the know-how to recognize exactly when their loved one can no longer drive safely."

Hynes-Grace emphasized that as the disease progresses, it affects cognitive functions critical to driving. "So it's important to observe driving behavior directly over time," she advised. "Family members should watch for an accumulation of warning signs that present a pattern of unsafe driving." Early warning signs include driving at inappropriate speeds, trouble navigating turns, hitting curbs, confusion at exits, among others.

According to The Hartford survey, only 26 percent had observed their loved ones with Alzheimer's disease or dementia behind the wheel, despite concerns about their driving skills.

The Hartford also recommends families involve the loved one early on in discussions about limiting and ultimately stopping driving. "Open and early communication about driving and its alternatives as soon as a diagnosis is made can help the person with Alzheimer's disease and the family agree on a course of action before a crisis occurs," said Hynes-Grace.
The Hartford survey found that only 30 percent reported talking with the loved one directly about his or her driving. About 44 percent said they conferred instead with someone else, usually another family member; 26 percent spoke to no one.

Part of the reluctance stems from the emotional pain associated with the conversation. More than half of those surveyed said that confronting a person with dementia about driving was extremely difficult.

"It's not surprising that the vast majority of families find the issue emotionally trying. Driving means independence, competence and control," said Hynes-Grace. "But we've found that families who involve the person with dementia in the discussions can truly help them more easily make the transition from driver to passenger."

The Hartford suggests the following steps:

• Frequently observe your loved one's driving behavior.
• Begin discussions early and involve the loved one with dementia.
• Line up transportation alternatives, such as regular rides from friends or relatives, car service and senior vans. Be sure to include methods of transportation for social visits and other outings
• Enlist the support of physicians and other health care providers.

More practical strategies, including an early warning sign checklist, can be found in a free guide developed by The Hartford in conjunction with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Age Lab and other experts. At the Crossroads A Guide to Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia and Driving is available in English and Spanish at www.thehartford.com/alzheimers, or writing to: The Hartford, At the Crossroads, 200 Executive Blvd, Southington, CT 06489.

------------------------
Produced for The Hartford
CONTACT:
Marnie Goodman
Office: 860-547-3898
Home: 860-345-2350
Cynthia Michener
Office: 860-547-5624
Home: 508-347-5302
------------------------

Watch a video about when someone with Alzheimer's disease or dementia should give up driving. (free Apple Quicktime required to view)

HealthWeb Archive:

November 2002 - Mammogram Sisters: After sister's death, six siblings team up for mammogram tests; Diabetes Awareness:

October 2002 - Flu Shots, Breast Cancer Awareness

July 2002 -The Buzz on Mosquito Protection; Alzheimer's Research Breakthrough; Tennis Elbow

June 2002 - International survey reveals people with diabetes are not worried about long-term complications; more than half of people with diabetes may be at risk of going blind or losing limbs

April 2002 - For nearly one million working women who become pregnant each year, juggling stress in the workplace along with stress that comes with being pregnant can be a tall order. First among them is how to work and manage a healthy pregnancy at the same time.

March 2002 - Drinking two glasses of orange juice daily for six weeks significantly reduced blood pressure in a pilot study conducted at The Cleveland Clinic.

February 2002 - Kathleen Turner Raises Her Voice About Rheumatoid Arthritis; Years of Silent Suffering Inspires Powerful Message in Support of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

September 2001 - National Cholesterol Education Month, Simple Dietary Changes Significantly Lower Cholesterol Levels in Children and Adults, Culture Gap Affects Access to Mental Health Service

August 2001 - Stress Echocardiogram; Hydrate to Beat the Heat

July 2001 - Checkup guidelines

June 2001 - Headaches - Relaxation techniques, exercise and medication can offer relief.

May 2001: Ah-Chooo! and Zzzzzz! - Help for allergies and sleep disorders.

April 2001 - Alcohol Awareness, Counseling Awareness, Irritable Bowel Syndrome

March 2001 - National Kidney Month, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

February 2001 - American Heart Month; Preventive Medicine: Good Lifestyle Choices, Less Stress

January 2001 - Healthy Diet Month, Express Flu Shots Available Now, Glaucoma Awareness Month

December 2000 - Colorectal Cancer, Arthritis Update

November 2000 - Information and links on Diabetes, Alzheimer's Disease and Lung Cancer

October 2000 - Mammography Day, Flu Vaccines, Save Your Back

September 2000 - Healthy Aging, Sickle Cell Disease, Eeek! Head Off Head Lice