Driving behavior could be early sign of dementia, study co-authored by Valley doctor finds

PHOENIX — A study co-authored by a Valley doctor found that subtle changes in driving behavior could be an early sign of dementia.

The study tracked 220 cognitively healthy volunteers ages 65 and older in St. Louis, Missouri.

The subjects’ driving habits were tracked through small sensors installed in their personal vehicles. Each participant also underwent a brain MRI to measure white matter hyperintensities — areas of damage caused by poor blood flow — that have been linked to dementia and cognitive decline.

Dr. Chia-Ling Phuah, co-director of the Neuro Analytics Center at Barrow Neurological Center in Phoenix, told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Morning News on Thursday that participants who had more of those damaged areas were linked to certain driving behaviors.

“They were driving less often, their driving became less complex. In those who later developed cognitive impairment, they were showing more risky driving behavior,” Phuah said.

The risky behaviors include speeding, braking harder and more frequently, and being involved in more crashes.

However, the study also found that common blood pressure medications could help older adults stay on the roads safer and longer.

“Those who are taking blood pressure medications, they seem to have a weaker link between white matter damage that we’re seeing on the scans and developing risky driving behaviors,” Phuah said.

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