Home / Health / Driving Habits Hint at Alzheimer's Risk
Driving Habits Hint at Alzheimer's Risk
3 Dec
Summary
- Driving patterns can predict cognitive decline with 82% accuracy.
- Older drivers with impairment drove less, especially at night.
- Driving data improved cognitive decline prediction accuracy.
New research suggests that alterations in driving behavior could be a significant early warning sign for cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's disease. A study utilizing GPS tracking devices found that individuals with mild cognitive impairment demonstrated distinct driving patterns. These changes included reduced overall driving frequency, a tendency to avoid driving at night, and a preference for well-known routes, differentiating them from cognitively healthy peers.
The study, involving participants averaging 75 years old, tracked driving habits over three years. Results showed that analyzing metrics like trip distances, speed limit adherence, and routine variation could predict mild cognitive impairment with 82% accuracy. Incorporating this driving data alongside age, cognitive test scores, and genetic factors boosted predictive accuracy to 87%, significantly outperforming predictions based on cognitive tests and genetic risk factors alone.
This innovative approach offers a low-burden, unobtrusive method for monitoring cognitive function and functional ability in older adults. By identifying at-risk drivers earlier, interventions can be implemented proactively, potentially preventing accidents and near misses. Researchers emphasize the importance of respecting privacy and ethical standards while exploring this promising diagnostic tool.
