5.3 Million people are living with Alzheimer’s. It is the 7thleading cause of death. Alzheimer’s is a disorder of the brain. This progressive and fatal brain disease destroys the patients brain cell which cause memory loss and problems with behavior and thinking that are severe enough to disrupt everyday life.  Today there is no cure that been found.  There are many services and support that can make life better for people living with Alzheimer’s.

There are many changes that have to be made once the diagnosis has been concluded by a doctor. One major decision that needs to be made is , should they drive anymore?  Although this may not need to be discussed in the beginning stages, it will definitely need to be addressed as the disease continue to impair the patient.  To many people driving is more than a daily activity it is an act of independence. So the subject can be very touchy.

This topic was being discussed on the Alzheimer’s Association Facebook page. Many comments were left on the page with thoughts and ideas on this topic. One comment told a story about a girl telling her dad that the insurance was going to be $8000 a year. He told her to get rid of the car! Another comment said that they had to almost dismantle the car before her dad would give up. Other suggestions given by the Alzheimer’s Association was to have the doctor write a “Do Not Drive” prescription, or hiding the car (out of sight out of mind). For more information on Alzheimer’s go to: www.alz.org

We would like to thank everyone that is a caretaker of anyone that has any type of disease. You are wonderful people and we know that the job can be difficult at times.

2 Responses to “Alzheimer’s and Driving”