Drivers with early dementia are a 'risk to the public'

Drivers with early dementia are a 'risk to the public'

Postby chenrezig » 24 Jun 2015, 05:43

Drivers in the early stages of dementia could be posing a risk to the public, doctors are warning.

Derbyshire GP Dr Peter Holden will call for a review of the issue at the British Medical Association's annual conference on Tuesday.

He says vehicles can be a "lethal weapon" in the hands of people who no longer have the ability to drive properly.

He says the current rules and guidance to doctors are out of date.

Everyone has to self-declare whether they are fit to drive at the age of 70 and every three years thereafter.

Although if they have a medical condition, such as epilepsy, they are required to notify the DVLA.

Doctors are asked to help regulate the system by asking patients about their driving abilities if they have concerns.

But Dr Holden said the current system was too one-dimensional, relying on specific diagnoses or on impairment to the senses.

He said there was a risk that people with the early stages of dementia "slip through the net".
'Great concern'

Dr Holden added that doctors are increasingly seeing older patients who are driving by rote.

"They stop driving at night, then on motorways, then they go to great lengths not to do right turns," he said.

"But we all know there are times when we need quick reflexes when driving.

"It is a complex task that requires good psycho-motor skills," he added.

However Andrew White, medical adviser to the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), said it was important to strike "the right balance between safety and personal mobility".

"All drivers must ensure that they are medically fit to drive and notify DVLA of the onset or worsening of a medical condition affecting this," he said.

And George McNamara, of the Alzheimer's Society, said there was a danger of "scaremongering".

"A dementia diagnosis is not in itself a reason to stop driving," he argued.

"The critical issue, both legally and practically, is whether an individual is able to drive safely."

However he conceded that more guidance on this issue was needed.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-33232348

On a personal note .. Dad recognised he was "slowing down" and packed in driving, selling the car - he missed it for a while, but appreciated the chance to enjoy the scenery when we went on bus trips to the seaside or to places like King's Lynn .. plus the extra spending money he had with not having to spend it on petrol, car tax, repairs insurance etc.

There was one chap back in Norwich a while back who knew he had Alzheimer's who killed a pedestrian when he ran them against a wall, I think in Pottergate ...
User avatar
chenrezig
Hero Member
Hero Member
 
Posts: 13508
Joined: 17 May 2007, 14:14
Location: Norfolk

Re: Drivers with early dementia are a 'risk to the public'

Postby annie » 24 Jun 2015, 08:50

It is very worrying
User avatar
annie
Hero Member
Hero Member
 
Posts: 34023
Joined: 21 Aug 2006, 21:19
Location: Lancs

Re: Drivers with early dementia are a 'risk to the public'

Postby wendy » 27 Jun 2015, 15:05

it is a difficult and sad situation.
User avatar
wendy
Administrator
Administrator
 
Posts: 59286
Joined: 05 Aug 2005, 23:00

Re: Drivers with early dementia are a 'risk to the public'

Postby wendy » 27 Jun 2015, 21:18

I would hope the person with dementia would be prepared to give up driving if they have dementia,
what do you think?
User avatar
wendy
Administrator
Administrator
 
Posts: 59286
Joined: 05 Aug 2005, 23:00


Return to Raising awareness, Campaigning and Important contacts.

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 152 guests