How Long Should Alzheimer's Victim Drive?

Nov. 1, 2002 - Most families say they are in the best position to know when a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or dementia should give up driving, according to a recent national survey sponsored by The Hartford Financial Services Group (NYSE: HIG). Yet, 51 percent of those with an afflicted family member or friend say they are unsure or don't know enough to make an informed decision.

The Hartford, one of the nation's leading providers of automobile insurance to people 50 and older, released its survey findings for November's National Alzheimer's Month. The nationally representative survey of 1068 adults was conducted in July and has a margin of error rate of 3.0 percent.

Beverly Hynes-Grace, The Hartford's vice president of corporate gerontology, says a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is not always a signal to stop driving. "As people are diagnosed earlier in the development of the disease and with today's better medication, we are finding many people can still drive safely for a period of time," she said.

Currently, there is no single reliable test to determine whether or not a person with dementia should be driving. An estimated four million Americans have Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.

"Our survey found that 62 percent of families feel that they are in the best position to decide when a spouse or parent should stop driving," said Hynes-Grace. "But most families lack the know-how to recognize exactly when their loved one can no longer drive safely."

Hynes-Grace emphasized that as the disease progresses, it affects cognitive functions critical to driving. "So it's important to observe driving behavior directly over time," she advised. "Family members should watch for an accumulation of warning signs that present a pattern of unsafe driving." Early warning signs include driving at inappropriate speeds, trouble navigating turns, hitting curbs, confusion at exits, among others.

According to The Hartford survey, only 26 percent had observed their loved ones with Alzheimer's disease or dementia behind the wheel, despite concerns about their driving skills.

The Hartford also recommends families involve the loved one early on in discussions about limiting and ultimately stopping driving. "Open and early communication about driving and its alternatives as soon as a diagnosis is made can help the person with Alzheimer's disease and the family agree on a course of action before a crisis occurs," said Hynes-Grace.

The Hartford survey found that only 30 percent reported talking with the loved one directly about his or her driving. About 44 percent said they conferred instead with someone else, usually another family member; 26 percent spoke to no one.

Part of the reluctance stems from the emotional pain associated with the conversation. More than half of those surveyed said that confronting a person with dementia about driving was extremely difficult.

"It's not surprising that the vast majority of families find the issue emotionally trying. Driving means independence, competence and control," said Hynes-Grace. "But we've found that families who involve the person with dementia in the discussions can truly help them more easily make the transition from driver to passenger."

The Hartford suggests the following steps:

>> Frequently observe your loved one's driving behavior.

>> Begin discussions early and involve the loved one with dementia.

>> Line up transportation alternatives, such as regular rides from friends or relatives, car service and senior vans. Be sure to include methods of transportation for social visits and other outings

>> Enlist the support of physicians and other health care providers.

More practical strategies, including an early warning sign checklist, can be found in a free guide developed by The Hartford in conjunction with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Age Lab and other experts. At the Crossroads A Guide to Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia and Driving is available in English and Spanish at www.thehartford.com/alzheimers, or writing to: The Hartford, At the Crossroads, 200 Executive Blvd, Southington, CT 06489.

The Hartford (NYSE: HIG) is one of the nation's largest investment and insurance companies, with 2001 revenues of $15.1 billion. As of June 30, 2002, The Hartford had assets of $179.6 billion and shareholders' equity of $9.7 billion. The company is a leading provider of investment products, life insurance and group benefits; automobile and homeowners products; business property and casualty insurance; and reinsurance.

The Hartford's Internet address is www.thehartford.com.