Driving decision-making among older adults with dementia in Taiwan: A longitudinal study

Abstract

Background

Driving is a complex skill that requires the integration of cognition and motor functions. However, these functions are all impacted by dementia.

Aim

We investigated the driving status among persons with dementia and the effects of a Dementia and Driving Decision Aid (DDDA) on changes in driving decisions, depressive symptoms and anxiety.

Methods

A longitudinal study with a 6-month observation was undertaken. Participants were clients in an Integrated Dementia Care Center (IDCC) who were diagnosed with a mild dementia. The primary outcome was changes in driving decisions; secondary outcomes included depressive symptoms, anxiety, and views on the booklet. Data were collected at four time points: baseline (T0), and 1 month (T1), 3 months (T2), 6 months (T3) after implementing DDDA. A logistic regression was used to examine changes in driving decisions, and a repeated-measures ANOVA was adopted to compare changes in secondary outcomes across time.

Findings

The number of participants who decided to continue driving significantly decreased (p < 0.001), while those who decided to drive less significantly increased (p < 0.001). A significant improvement in depressive symptoms was found in participants over time (F = 9.192; p < 0.001), the mean scores at all post-test time points were lower compared to the baseline measure.

Discussion

We report successful implementation of a DDDA booklet in an IDCC in Taiwan. In addition, participants' satisfaction level toward the booklet was high.

Conclusion

We suggest the DDDA booklet can be widely utilised in community-based dementia care centers.