Driving in Somerset

Abstract

Aims and methods: The number of drivers on our roads with dementia is likely to increase as the elderly population grows. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients referred to our Memory Clinic in Taunton who were still driving despite a high suspicion of dementia. Results: Twenty per cent of the patients were still driving at the time of their assessment. Ten per cent had a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and 10% mild cognitive impairment. The patients and/or carers stated that the patient had not been told to stop driving and none of the referral letters documented any advice about driving. Clinical implications: Referrers should advise all patients with possible dementia to refrain from driving until assessment by a specialist team is completed. They should be informed of the risk of medico-legal consequences if they continue to drive.