Citation

Romer KD, Dittman V. Psychiatrie 2007; 4(1): 50-56.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Schattauer)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article discusses the changes that older drivers must accommodate to in order to remain fit to drive. The authors note that in one's old age, fitness to drive can be impaired because of age-related decline in performance, diseases that may have an impact on driving ability, and medications that have side effects. These declines might be compensated by adaptation of driving behavior and medical treatment of disease. The authors caution that compensation requires a willingness to self-assess and be very reasonable about making changes. This critical self-assessment is often lacking in people in moderate forms of dementia, yet these are the very drivers who are a high risk in terms of traffic safety.