Speaker
Matt Gurwell

Session Details

Driving Under the Influence of Dementia

Healthcare & Home Care

Date: Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Time: 2:00 pm

Session Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss the role memory, executive functioning and dementia play in safe driving for older adults (supported by current day, real-life examples).
2. Introduce tips, techniques and best practices nurses, social workers and other professionals can use to help bring the driving issue to a successful resolution for both the older driver and/or their concerned family members.
3. Introduce the attendees to recent research findings on the issue of dementia and driving.

Families and professionals alike sometimes downplay the critical role memory plays in driving safety, instead, focusing on the physical skills required for safe driving (vision, hearing, strength, reflexes, reaction time, etc.). The presentation focuses on the role dementia, memory, mild cognitive impairment and executive functioning play in older driver safety. This presentation was developed from the unique perspective of a retired Ohio State Trooper and is supported by current-day, real-life examples as well as academic studies that confirm the correlation between cognitive decline and older driver safety. This presentation will provide the attendees with the tools and competencies necessary to respond to this delicate issue with tact, empathy and compassion.