Driving and Dementia
Research Project on Novel Ways to Study Driving of Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment
Our mission is to improve decision-making about driving for older drivers with dementia by using advanced mobile technology.
What is the study about?
A major challenge in dementia care is determining the point at which driving becomes significantly compromised for people living with dementia. While those in the early stages of dementia might still drive safely, it is difficult to pinpoint when driving is no longer safe. This study will use an advanced Driving Monitoring System, installed in vehicles, to gather real-world driving data from people with dementia as they go about their daily routines. Ultimately, the goal of this study is to help make informed decisions about driving in dementia, striving to find a balance between safety, autonomy, and independence.
Who can participate?
Participants must:
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Be 65 years or older.
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Be a healthy volunteer or a person living with mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
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Have a valid driver’s license.
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Own an insured vehicle with 1998 or newer model year.
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Be fluent in English.
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Drive to at least two different destinations per week.
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Time requirement
You will need to make two visits to the University of Calgary site, each lasting approximately 1-2 hours. Additionally, a driving monitoring device will be installed in your vehicle, which should remain in place for a duration of 8 weeks.
Our Team
Principal Investigators: Drs. Sayeh Bayat (UCalgary), Mark Rapoport (Sunnybrook), and Gary Naglie (Baycrest)
Co-Investigators: Drs. Brenda Vrkljan (McMaster), Ganesh Babulal (WashU)
Study Team:
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Dr. Shahab Alizadeh (Research Coordinator, UCalgary)
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Ranuki Onara Hettiarachchige (PhD Student, UCalgary)
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Christopher Pilieci (Research Assistant, Baycrest/Sunnybrook)
Contact
For more information about the study, email: