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Taking the car keys away from someone with Alzheimer's disease can be one of the most emotional situations a family faces, a U.S. researcher says.
"Driving represents independence and capability, so being asked to give it up can put the person with Alzheimer's in deep conflict with their loved ones," Kristin Martin-Cook, clinical research coordinator and support-group facilitator of the Alzheimer's Disease Center at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, says in a statement.
However, with care, a diagnosis of Alzheimer's does not have to put a total halt on driving, Martin-Cook says.
"The most important thing is to discuss the issue soon after diagnosis, when the person can fully participate in decisions," Martin-Cook says.
Other suggestions include:
-- Start with moderate restrictions, perhaps driving only during the day, or only to certain places, or only with someone else in the vehicle.
-- Find other ways the patient can get around, like senior transportation services that can help maintain a sense of independence.
-- Watch for physical changes that affect driving safety such as changes in attention span, in hand-eye coordination and the ability to react quickly.
-- Enlist your healthcare provider's help in talking about liability and safety. He or she can serve as the "bad guy" who's taking the keys away.
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