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Babulal GM, Chen L, Murphy SA, Carr DB, Morris JC. Predicting Driving Cessation Among Cognitively Normal Older Drivers: The Role of Alzheimer Disease Biomarkers and Clinical Assessments. Neurology 2024; 102:e209426. [PMID: 38776513 PMCID: PMC11226325 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000209426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES With the aging US population and increasing incidence of Alzheimer disease (AD), understanding factors contributing to driving cessation among older adults is crucial for clinicians. Driving is integral for maintaining independence and functional mobility, but the risk factors for driving cessation, particularly in the context of normal aging and preclinical AD, are not well understood. We studied a well-characterized community cohort to examine factors associated with driving cessation. METHODS This prospective, longitudinal observation study enrolled participants from the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center and The DRIVES Project. Participants were enrolled if they were aged 65 years or older, drove weekly, and were cognitively normal (Clinical Dementia Rating [CDR] = 0) at baseline. Participants underwent annual clinical, neurologic, and neuropsychological assessments, including β-amyloid PET imaging and CSF (Aβ42, total tau [t-Tau], and phosphorylated tau [p-Tau]) collection every 2-3 years. The primary outcome was time from baseline visit to driving cessation, accounting for death as a competing risk. The cumulative incidence function of driving cessation was estimated for each biomarker. The Fine and Gray subdistribution hazard model was used to examine the association between time to driving cessation and biomarkers adjusting for clinical and demographic covariates. RESULTS Among the 283 participants included in this study, there was a mean follow-up of 5.62 years. Driving cessation (8%) was associated with older age, female sex, progression to symptomatic AD (CDR ≥0.5), and poorer performance on a preclinical Alzheimer cognitive composite (PACC) score. Aβ PET imaging did not independently predict driving cessation, whereas CSF biomarkers, specifically t-Tau/Aβ42 (hazard ratio [HR] 2.82, 95% CI 1.23-6.44, p = 0.014) and p-Tau/Aβ42 (HR 2.91, 95% CI 1.28-6.59, p = 0.012) ratios, were independent predictors in the simple model adjusting for age, education, and sex. However, in the full model, progression to cognitive impairment based on the CDR and PACC score across each model was associated with a higher risk of driving cessation, whereas AD biomarkers were not statistically significant. DISCUSSION Female sex, CDR progression, and neuropsychological measures of cognitive functioning obtained in the clinic were strongly associated with future driving cessation. The results emphasize the need for early planning and conversations about driving retirement in the context of cognitive decline and the immense value of clinical measures in determining functional outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganesh M Babulal
- From the Department of Neurology (G.M.B., S.A.M., J.C.M.), Division of Biostatistics (L.C.), and Department of Medicine (D.B.C.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Ling Chen
- From the Department of Neurology (G.M.B., S.A.M., J.C.M.), Division of Biostatistics (L.C.), and Department of Medicine (D.B.C.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Samantha A Murphy
- From the Department of Neurology (G.M.B., S.A.M., J.C.M.), Division of Biostatistics (L.C.), and Department of Medicine (D.B.C.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - David B Carr
- From the Department of Neurology (G.M.B., S.A.M., J.C.M.), Division of Biostatistics (L.C.), and Department of Medicine (D.B.C.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - John C Morris
- From the Department of Neurology (G.M.B., S.A.M., J.C.M.), Division of Biostatistics (L.C.), and Department of Medicine (D.B.C.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
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Betz ME, Fowler NR, Meza K, Bletz A, Omeragic F, Matlock DD. "You just have to be careful how you do it": A qualitative study of the Healthwise decision aid for older drivers. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2024; 25:781-787. [PMID: 38860882 PMCID: PMC11226350 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2024.2351203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Decisions about driving retirement are difficult for older adults, their families, and health care providers. A large randomized trial found that an existing online Healthwise decision aid decreased decision conflict and increased knowledge about driving decisions. This study sought to discover how, when, and where the tool might be most effective for older drivers, their family members, and their health care providers. METHODS We used one-on-one, semistructured interviews (June-December 2023) to explore perspectives on the content of the Healthwise online driving decision aid and its potential use. Participants were health care providers or subject matter experts in older driver research or policy. Transcribed interviews were coded and analyzed with a team-based approach to identify emerging themes. RESULTS Across interviews (16 health care providers; 15 experts), emerging themes related to considerations (barriers, benefits, and settings for use) that were (1) individual or interpersonal or (2) institutional or cultural, as well as feedback on (3) decision aid content and structure. Findings included concerns over agism and damaging provider-patient relationships, along with identified benefits of integrating tools into electronic health records and a need for consolidated, easy-to-access resources for both providers and patients. CONCLUSION Attention to individual, interpersonal, institutional, and cultural factors may enhance the use and dissemination of an online decision aid about driving, as well as its effectiveness in decision making. Future work should include views of additional stakeholders and studies on implementation of decision aids into real-world settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian E Betz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
- Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Nicole R Fowler
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Indiana University Center for Aging Research, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Kayla Meza
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Alex Bletz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Faris Omeragic
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Daniel D Matlock
- Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
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Missell-Gray R, Simning A. Driving Cessation and Late-Life Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms: Findings from the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Clin Gerontol 2024; 47:224-233. [PMID: 37313655 PMCID: PMC10719415 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2023.2224795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the association between driving cessation and depressive and anxiety symptoms over time by assessing depression and anxiety at 1- and 4-years follow-up. METHODS The study examined community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older from the National Health and Aging Trends Study who were driving at the 2015 interview and completed 1-year (N = 4,182) and 4-year (N = 3,102) follow-up interviews. Outcomes were positive screens for depressive and anxiety symptoms in 2016 or 2019, and the primary independent variable was driving cessation within one year of the baseline interview. RESULTS Adjusting for socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, driving cessation was associated with depressive symptoms at 1 year (OR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.33-3.82) and 4-year follow-up (OR = 3.55, 95% CI: 1.72-7.29). Driving cessation was also associated with anxiety symptoms at 1 year (OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.05-2.79) and 4 year follow up (OR = 3.22, 95% CI: 1.04-9.99). CONCLUSIONS Driving cessation was associated with an increased risk of developing depressive and anxiety symptoms in later life. However, reasons for this association remain unclear. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Although the mechanism linking driving cessation with worse mental health symptoms is uncertain, driving facilitates many important activities. Clinicians should monitor the well-being of patients who stop or intend to stop driving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Missell-Gray
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester (U.R.), Rochester, NY, United States of America (USA)
- University of Rochester, Margaret Warner School of Education and Human Development, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Adam Simning
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester (U.R.), Rochester, NY, United States of America (USA)
- Department of Public Health Sciences, U.R., Rochester, NY, USA
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Fields NL, Dabelko-Schoeny H, Murphy IE, Highfill C, Cao Q, White K, Sheldon M, Jennings C, Kunz-Lomelin A. Social Cognitive Theory, Driving Cessation, and Alternative Transportation in Later Life. J Appl Gerontol 2023; 42:2252-2260. [PMID: 37230489 PMCID: PMC10583478 DOI: 10.1177/07334648231177215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Having viable alternative transportation options could help individuals stop driving when appropriate. This study employs the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) to understand the barriers and facilitators of alternative transportation among a sample of adults aged 55 and older (N = 32). Using a daily transportation data collection app, MyAmble, the research team asked participants questions structured around environmental, individual, and behavioral factors as outlined in the SCT framework. Responses were analyzed using directed content analysis. Findings suggest a substantial reliance on motor vehicles and it was evident that many participants had never seriously considered what they would do if they could no longer drive. We posit that SCT principles may be applied to help older adults build self-efficacy to transition to driving cessation when needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelle L. Fields
- School of Social Work, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | | | - Ian E. Murphy
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Christine Highfill
- School of Social Work, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Qiuchang Cao
- Pepper Institute on Aging and Public Policy& Claude Pepper Center, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA, USA
| | - Katie White
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Marisa Sheldon
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Alan Kunz-Lomelin
- School of Social Work, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
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Fossum S, Mazmanian D, Møller H, Bédard M. Development and Initial Validation of the Transportation Support Scale. Am J Occup Ther 2023; 77:7704205090. [PMID: 37595281 DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2023.050059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Driving cessation affects older drivers and, possibly, also care partners (most of whom tend to be women). Although tools exist to assess the effects on family and friends of providing informal care to someone who needs assistance, no tool is available to clinicians that specifically focuses on the effects of driving cessation. OBJECTIVE To develop the Transportation Support Scale (TSS) to measure care partners' responses-both negative and positive-to driving cessation and assuming transportation responsibilities. DESIGN We developed a list of 98 items to capture the impact on care partners of providing transportation to older adults who have stopped driving. In Phase 1, we pretested the items qualitatively with a small sample of care partners. In Phase 2, we reduced the number of items and examined several psychometric properties of the TSS with a larger sample. SETTING Community. PARTICIPANTS Two convenience samples of care partners who provide transportation (Phase 1, n = 11; Phase 2, n = 66). RESULTS The initial pool of items was reduced from 98 to 22. The final TSS has an internal consistency of .88 (Cronbach's α). Thirty-five percent of care partners' scores fell above the middle possible score; these care partners were likely experiencing a high negative impact related to providing transportation after driving cessation. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The TSS demonstrated adequate preliminary psychometric properties. We need additional research to further evaluate the psychometric properties of the TSS (e.g., test-retest reliability). A fully validated TSS may be useful to clinicians and researchers. What This Article Adds: The TSS has the potential to help clarify the perspective of care partners as well as inform the development and evaluation of services for care partners who are providing transportation to former drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shauna Fossum
- Shauna Fossum, MHSc, is Public Education Coordinator, Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay, Ontario Canada. At the time of this research, Fossum was Graduate Student, Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dwight Mazmanian
- Dwight Mazmanian, PhD, is Professor, Department of Psychology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
| | - Helle Møller
- Helle Møller, PhD, is Associate Professor, Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michel Bédard
- Michel Bédard, PhD, is Director, Centre for Research on Safe Driving, and Professor, Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada;
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Schofield K, Kean B, Oprescu F, Downer T, Hardy M. A systematic review and meta-synthesis of the complex and interconnected factors that influence planning for driving retirement. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2023; 85:42-51. [PMID: 37330892 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2023.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION With an aging population there are more older drivers than ever before. To reduce unnecessary road accidents and assist older drivers to successfully transition to non-driving, a better understanding of the factors that influence planning for driving retirement is required. This review explores documented factors that may influence older adults in planning for driving retirement, thus providing new understandings that can inform future preventative road safety measures, interventions, and policies. METHOD A systematic search was performed using four databases to locate qualitative studies on the factors that influenced older drivers to plan for driving retirement. To identify factors influencing planning for driving retirement, a thematic synthesis approach was utilized. Identified themes were categorized in relation to elements of the Social Ecological Model theoretical framework. RESULTS The systematic search resulted in 12 included studies from 4 countries. Four major themes and 11 subthemes were identified regarding planning driver retirement. Each subtheme denotes a factor that may facilitate and/or impede older drivers planning for driving retirement. CONCLUSION These results indicate that it is vitally important to encourage older drivers to plan for driving retirement as early as possible. Stakeholders involved in the safety of older drivers (including family, clinicians, road authorities, and policy makers) should work together on interventions and policies that empower older drivers to successfully plan for driving retirement in order to improve road safety and quality of life. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Introducing conversations about driving retirement via medical appointments, family, media, and peer-support groups could facilitate planning for driving retirement. Community-based ride-sharing systems and subsidized private transport options are needed to ensure continued mobility of older adults, especially in rural and regional areas that lack alternate transport services. When devising urban and rural planning, transport, license renewal, and medical testing rules, policy makers should consider older drivers' safety, mobility, and quality of life after driving retirement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Schofield
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Bridie Kean
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Florin Oprescu
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Terri Downer
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Margaret Hardy
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.
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Betz M, Polzer E, Knoepke C, Prater L, Simonetti J, Lee T, Meador L, Nearing K. Cars, Guns, Aging, and "Giving Up the Keys". THE GERONTOLOGIST 2023; 63:717-730. [PMID: 36383376 PMCID: PMC10167763 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnac142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Age-associated changes can impair abilities for safe driving and the use of firearms. We sought to examine multiple perspectives on reducing access to firearms, including similarities and differences compared to reducing driving. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Online focus groups and 1-on-1 interviews were conducted (November 2020 to May 2021) in the United States with: older adults who drove and owned firearms; family members of older adult firearm owners/drivers; professionals in aging-related agencies; and firearm retailers/instructors. Recorded sessions were transcribed, coded, and analyzed following a mixed inductive-deductive thematic analysis process. RESULTS Among 104 participants (81 in focus groups, 23 in interviews), 50 (48%) were female, and 92 (88%) White. Key similarities: decisions are emotional and challenging; needs change over time; safety concerns are heightened by new impairments; prior experiences prompt future planning; tension between autonomy and reliance on trusted others; and strategies like reframing may ease transitions and avoid confrontations. Key differences: "retirement" was not an acceptable term for firearms; reducing driving may affect daily independence more, but there are few alternatives for the psychological safety conferred by firearms; and there are specific firearm-related legal concerns but more driving-related regulations, policies, and resources. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS The similarities and differences in the processes and preferences related to reducing driving or firearm access have implications for the development of resources to support planning and action. Such resources for the public and providers might empower older adults and their families to make voluntary, shared decisions, and reduce injuries and deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian E Betz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Evan R Polzer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, Veterans Health Administration, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Christopher E Knoepke
- Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Adult and Child Consortium for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Laura C Prater
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington,USA
- Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington,USA
| | - Joseph A Simonetti
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, Veterans Health Administration, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Division of Hospital Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Teresa M Lee
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Lauren E Meador
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Kathryn A Nearing
- VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Division of Geriatrics and Multidisciplinary Center on Aging, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Beck LF, Luo F, West BA. Examining Patterns of Driving Avoidance Behaviors Among Older People Using Latent Class Analysis. J Appl Gerontol 2022; 41:1752-1762. [PMID: 35441554 DOI: 10.1177/07334648221086953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Some older drivers choose to avoid certain situations where they do not feel confident driving. Little is known about the process by which older drivers may use avoidance in transitioning to non-driving. Methods: We analyzed 2015 ConsumerStyles data for 1198 drivers aged 60+. Driving patterns were examined by sociodemographic and driving characteristics. Avoidance classes were characterized by latent class analysis. Results: Among drivers 60+, 79% reported driving 3+ days/week and 84% reported good to excellent health. We identified four driving avoidance classes (low, mild, moderate, and high). High- (versus low-) avoidance drivers were more likely female, 75+, not White/non-Hispanic, and to have income <$25,000/year. Discussion: Avoidance of selected driving behaviors may be one component of a multi-step process supporting the transition to non-driving. Drivers displaying avoidance behaviors may be receptive to resources to prepare for this transition and minimize negative health and quality of life outcomes that accompany driving cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie F Beck
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1242National Center for Injury Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Feijun Luo
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bethany A West
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1242National Center for Injury Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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