The Older Driver with Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

Abstract This study surveyed older drivers with Parkinson's disease (PD) and a control group for the purpose of obtaining information about driving history, habits, and expectations about driving cessation. Compared to control subjects, PD drivers were more likely to have reduced their driving over the past 5 years (p = 0.002). In addition, PD drivers had significantly more crashes (p = 0.003). Not surprisingly, families of PD drivers expressed greater concern about patient driving (p = 0.0001). Because of the complexities of the issue of driving and PD, social workers have the responsibility to provide emotional and practical supports to their PD clients and family members.