Researchers and driving assessors join forces to support drivers with dementia

Researchers at the University of East Anglia are part of a new project to improve driving assessments for people with dementia, thanks to funding from the Road Safety Trust.

Cognitive changes occur when people have dementia, and these can affect a person’s fitness to drive – increasing their risk on the roads. 

To combat this, the team will develop cognitive tests and assess them to determine which specific cognitive problems affect driving ability.

The project will be carried out in partnership with Driving Mobility, which is supported by the Department for Transport and co-ordinates 20 independent driving and mobility assessment centres across the UK.

It is hoped that the work will help reduce the risk of road traffic collisions.

Dementia expert Prof Michael Hornberger, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, said: “We know that when people have dementia or mild cognitive impairment, cognitive changes such as spatial disorientation can occur – and this can affect their fitness to drive.

“There is currently a lack of knowledge about, and inadequate screening methods to identify, these changes. 

“We want to develop a suite of cognitive tests for people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, to determine their fitness to drive and their risk of having a collision.

“The new tests will then be assessed to determine which specific cognitive deficits affect driving ability.

“We are delighted to have been funded by the Road Safety Trust to conduct this study in partnership with Driving Mobility. 

“If successful, the plan is to implement the results of the tests in future driving assessments and to inform policy for people with dementia, both of which are urgently needed.”

The INDICATE project (Introduction of an oNline cognitive battery for fitness to Drive In mild Cognitive impAirmenT and dEmentia) has been awarded funding through The Road Safety Trust’s 2022 Main Grants round, which had the theme ‘Fitness to Drive’.

Edward Trewhella, CEO of Driving Mobility, said: "Our occupational therapists and approved driving instructors continue to see a rise in ‘fitness to drive’ clients with dementia. This condition can present in many ways and as a progressive illness, it is imperative we have the latest knowledge in place to precisely assess and monitor drivers.

“Through our valued collaboration with the UEA, our clinical team will be able to enhance their recommendations thus enabling more people to continue driving safely for longer.”

Sonya Hurt, chief executive of The Road Safety Trust, said: “It is well understood that dementia and similar conditions can affect an individual's fitness to drive. Sadly, this increases their risk of being involved in a collision.

“This project is an excellent collaboration between academic researchers and practical driving assessors which will support drivers with dementia, and ultimately keep them safer on the roads.”