The signs in a persons driving and parking that could signal dementia

Dr Hilary lists the early symptoms of dementia

Dementia is the name for a group of symptoms linked to the ongoing decline of the brain.

For this reason, early signs of the condition can include well-known symptoms such as memory loss and personality changes.

However, as a progressive condition it tends to worsen over time.

This can result in further cognitive problems, and even physical side effects.

According to two experts, these can become apparent when an affected person drives a car.

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Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Stewart McGinn – managing director at Baycroft Care Homes, explained: “Dementia poses significant challenges to a person’s driving and parking abilities.

“The cognitive decline associated with dementia, including memory loss, impaired judgement, and reduced attention span, can make road navigation increasingly difficult.

“Decision-making becomes problematic, affecting the ability to react to unexpected situations or the ability to make sound judgments.

“Reduced reaction times can impair responses to sudden changes in traffic conditions, such as unexpected braking or swerving vehicles.”

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He said some manoeuvres may no longer be achievable for someone with dementia.

“Performing complex parking manoeuvres, like parallel parking or navigating tight spaces, may prove challenging due to difficulties in judging angles and distances,” he said.

“Spatial awareness and the ability to judge distances may also deteriorate, leading to inaccuracies in parking and an increased risk of collisions.

“Getting lost, even in familiar surroundings, can also become a concern, as can the propensity for agitation and anxiety while driving or parking.”

He warned: “In advanced stages of dementia, individuals may exhibit wandering behaviour, which could happen while driving, potentially endangering themselves and others on the road.”

Doctor Angela Rai, GP at The London General Practice, agreed.

She added: “Although driving can feel automatic, it is a complex task that requires memory, concentration, good reaction times and spatial skills – signs of cognitive impairment affect visuo-spatial skills which is vital when judging distances and manoeuvring a car.

“Memory impairment can affect these skills and this can impact on how safe it is for you to drive.

“Also other symptoms of dementia that can affect someone’s driving and parking ability include loss of sense of direction, especially in familiar environments and confusion, lack of concentration and new anxiety for no apparent reason.”

Other signs of dementia, according to the NHS, include:

  • Memory loss
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change When shopping
  • Struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
  • Being confused about time and place
  • Mood changes.

If you think you or a loved one are displaying signs of dementia you should speak to a GP.

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