In-vehicle technology: Decision aid for driving with dementia

Observational Study

Full study title: Using mobile technology to inform driving decision-making in dementia

What is the study about?

This study will assess if a Driving Monitoring System installed in participant’s vehicles can identify differences in driving behaviors between older adults who are cognitively healthy, those with mild cognitive impairment, and those with early-stage dementia.

A major challenge in dementia care is determining the point at which driving becomes significantly compromised for people living with dementia. While those in the early stages of dementia might still drive safely, it is difficult to pinpoint when driving is no longer safe. Currently, physicians rely on cognitive tests to evaluate fitness-to-drive, but these tests do not always predict actual driving performance well. This study will use an advanced Driving Monitoring System, installed in vehicles, to gather real-world driving data from people with dementia as they go about their daily routines. Participating in this study will not impact the licensing/driving privileges of participants. Ultimately, the goal of this study is to help make informed decisions about driving in dementia, striving to find a balance between safety, autonomy, and independence.

Eligibility- Who can participate?

Participants must:

Be 65 years or older.
Be a healthy volunteer or a person living with mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
Have a valid driver’s license.
Own an insured vehicle with 1998 or newer model year.
Be fluent in English.
Drive to at least two different destinations per week.

Time requirement

You will need to make two visits to the research locations, each lasting approximately 1-2 hours. Additionally, a driving monitoring device will be installed in your vehicle, which should remain in place for a duration of 8 weeks.

TDRA study investigator

Drs. Gary Naglie and Mark Rapoport

Video

Advances in Dementia Research Webinar- Listen to Dr. Sayeh Bayat (co-principle investigator), discuss the ‘In-vehicle technology: Decision aid for driving with dementia’ study in further detail: https://youtu.be/ZCzSy9HTZ1Y?si=TjeR1Rnr7tLVgqj8

TDRA Site: