As the number of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients grows at high rates in the U.S., so do concerns about safety on the road.
A report by inewsource.org collected data from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) showing that of the approximately 50,000 people diagnosed with the diseases every year in California, the agency takes action against about 4,000 to 6,000.
Obvious risks of what seems to be a large number of Alzheimer’s patients driving include car accidents and even deaths on our roads. Doctors can also be sued if they fail to diagnose a patient who later hurts themselves or someone else while behind the wheel.
Dr. James Grisolia, a neurologist in San Diego, told NBC 7 that the issue isn’t black and white. He said the numbers may not be as alarming as they seem because they don't take into account the patients who give up their keys on their own.
He added that often times, it is the families of those patients who push them to give up driving.
“There’s really no substitute for someone who watches that person drive,” he said. “That’s really used as a gold standard in a driving rehab program.”
But Dr. Grisolia admits there will always be patients whose pride will get the best of them and they will drive even though they know they probably shouldn’t.
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Other things the numbers do not consider, because the DMV could not provide the information, were the restrictions (not revocations) the agency implemented on drivers. That is common as well, according to experts.
The DMV sent NBC 7 the following statement:
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) evaluates each case individually. If someone has a physical or mental condition that may affect their ability to drive, we will review the medical report provided by their physician, we will then interview the individual and ask them specific questions relative to their condition and their treatment, and we may require them to take a knowledge test, a vision test, and a drive test. Every driver is given due process before an action is taken against his or her driving privilege. If the DMV believes that someone is a risk to themselves, or other drivers, we will suspend or revoke their driving privilege.
