New studies show that as many as 76% of patients with mild dementia are still able to pass an on-the-road driving test. Patients need to be reassessed at 6-month intervals since all will eventually have to give up driving. Loss of driving privileges can result in depression, which can shorten life expectancy. It is the physician's role to restrict or suspend driving privileges, not the family's, since family members have to live or interact with the patient every day and the ultimate decision to take away the privilege of driving can cause stress and tension. Here are some indications to help identify unsafe driving:
