Neurologist Group Says Dementia Patients Can Drive Safely
For New Jersey residents who have loved ones getting on in years and still driving, these driving privileges can sometimes be a source of concern. On the one hand, you want your elderly seniors to continue to be mobile and active, because this keeps them healthy. There have been enough studies to indicate that senior citizens who lose their driving privileges may suffer from mood changes and depression. But what happens when an elderly loved one is diagnosed with dementia? Up until now, geriatric experts and neurologists have been united in the view that senior citizens with dementia must not be allowed to drive.
However, the American Academy of Neurology has announced that it will be altering those guidelines soon. The Academy has apparently done studies that show that patients, who suffer from mild dementia, may still be able to drive safely. It's not enough if the patient scores low on the dementia scale, however. He must also have support from family members and caregivers who confirm that the person is able to drive safely. He must also have a good record of safe driving, with no accidents and no driving errors to his credit.
Obviously, it's not an easy decision to make. However, as the family member of a senior citizen, you have a responsibility not just to the safety of your loved ones, but also the safety of other motorists on the road. Seniors can be safe drivers and they are involved in far fewer accidents than teen motorists. However, if your loved one has been diagnosed with mild dementia, is getting forgetful, and is aggressive or impulsive, you might want to reconsider whether you should allow him/her to drive at all.
Scott Grossman is a Monmouth County car accident lawyer representing injured victims in Freehold, Howell, and Marlboro, and around Monmouth County and the state of New Jersey.
