Navigating Difficult Conversations about Driving and Dementia

About this episode

Dr. KJ Hansmann discusses strategies for navigating conversations about driving with loved ones experiencing cognitive decline or dementia.

Driving can be a sensitive topic as a person gets older, and especially so when someone begins experiencing cognitive decline or is diagnosed with dementia. How can family members and care partners discuss their concerns about a loved one’s ability to drive while still respecting their dignity, autonomy and independence? Dr. KJ Hansmann joins the podcast to share strategies for how to talk about a loved one’s driving habits and how to plan to help them stop driving as they navigate cognitive decline, as well as what signs to look out for when assessing their ability to drive and what resources are available for both those living with cognitive decline and their care partners. Guest: KJ Hansmann, MD, PhD, MPH, family medicine doctor, UW Health, assistant professor, department of family and community health, UW School of Medicine and Public Health, principal investigator, Driving Connections Lab Show Notes Read Dr. Hansmann’s article, “Dementia and driving: A scoping review of family caregiver involvement in driving cessation research,” online through the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia. Learn more about Plan for the Road Ahead, mentioned by Dr. Hansmann at 29:48, on their…

People in this episode

Host: KJ Hansmann

Guest: Kj Hansmann Md Phd Mph

Topics covered

• driving
• dementia
• cognitive decline
• family conversations
• caregiving

Keywords

• driving cessation
• autonomy
• independence
• conversation guides
• resources

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Plan for the Road Ahead, Alzheimer’s Association resources, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America resources

Books & works: Dementia and driving: A scoping review of family caregiver involvement in driving cessation research, Plan for the Road Ahead, Aging Behind the Wheel: How Driving Behavior Can Identify Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease, When Memory Fades: What to Expect at Every Stage, from Early Signs to Full Support for Alzheimer's and Dementia

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