In-vehicle technology: Decision aid for driving with dementia

Observational Study

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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:

Baycrest

Address: 3560 Bathurst St, North York, ON M6A 2E1

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Address: 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5

Age Group:

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Disclaimer

The listing of a study on the Toronto Dementia Network (TDN) is for informational purposes only. The safety, efficacy or scientific validity of the studies listed here have not been evaluated by The Alzheimer Society of Toronto (AST) or the Toronto Dementia Research Alliance (TDRA). The TDRA is an academic coalition among the University of Toronto and four memory clinics across Toronto at Baycrest, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and the University Health Network. The information collected will be kept and guarded by TDRA. Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Before you participate in a study, you should make sure you understand the risks and potential benefits and discuss all options with your health care provider(s).