Neuropsychology and Driving Behaviour: Analysis of a complex correlation

Abstract

Driving is a multimodal task that requires the integrity of executive functions in order to process simultaneously multiple environmental cues, to predict the development of traffic situations, as well as to take rapid, accurate and safe decisions. Memory plays an important role, among others, on route planning and traffic signs recognition. In addition, visuospatial skills are crucial for vehicle’s road positioning along with the estimation of distances between vehicles, while attention is necessary for the accurate perception of on-road changes. The role of Neuropsychology is of critical importance for evaluating driving ability in the elderly, especially in the case of drivers with cognitive disorders, such as Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Dementia. Regarding the driving competence of drivers with Mild Cognitive Impairment, in the majority of cases they are considered capable of driving. Although Alzheimer’s Dementia has a well-recognized and –described negative effect on driving performance, there is a subgroup of mild Alzheimer’s Dementia patients who retain satisfactory driving skills. Neuropsychological assessment needs to be harmonized across different teams and countries, in order to provide a common and reliable tool in the holistic approach of cognitive impaired drivers