Supporting the practical and emotional process of giving-up driving in later life for those living with dementia: A commentary on Developing the Driving and Dementia Roadmap: A knowledge-to-action process by Stasiulis et al

Changes that happen everyone as they age (albeit at different rates), including for examplecchanges in eyesight or hearing, and changes in cognition (such as attention, overload, speed of processing etc), can often combine in later life, making it hard to perform complex tasks, for example the tasks required to drive a vehicle in a safe manner. Giving-up driving is a not just a cognitive or skills-based decision and is part of a wider social process. Many people are often involved in the decision alongside the older person themselves, including family and friends and health professionals. Advice from health professionals is welcomed, and support of family and friends are a vital protective factor in reducing negative affect of giving-up driving. But many people involved in the driver decision process are often reluctant to initiate conversation, offer advice or get involved altogether. Dementia can add a further layer of complexity on the situation; as noted in previous research people living with dementia and their families lack knowledge of when and how to approach giving-up.