Researchers and driving assessors join forces to support drivers with dementia

The Road Safety Trust has awarded funding to a new project which sets out to improve driving assessments for people with dementia, in a bid to reduce the risk of road traffic collisions.

INDICATE (Introduction of an oNline cognitive battery for fitness to Drive In mild Cognitive impAirmenT and dEmentia) is being carried out by researchers at the University of East Anglia, in partnership with Driving Mobility.

The project has been awarded funding through The Road Safety Trust’s 2022 Main Grants round, which had the theme ‘Fitness to Drive’.

Cognitive changes such as spatial orientation which can occur in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or dementia, can affect an individual's fitness to drive and increase their risk on the roads.

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

To combat this, this project first aims to develop a suite of cognitive tests for people with MCI/dementia to determine their fitness to drive and incident/collision risks.

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

Michael Hornberger, professor of applied dementia research, University of East Anglia, said: “We are delighted to have been funded by the Road Safety Trust to conduct the INDICATE 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.”

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.”