What To Do When You First Learn a Loved One Has Alzheimer's - Get the full To Do list

Why someone with Alzheimer's should no longer drive and how to arrange alternate transportation

Driving skills can decline quickly and with little warning, putting a driver with dementia at risk of causing accidents or getting lost. That's why someone with Alzheimer's should give up driving upon diagnosis.

Ideally, the doctor will recommend this. If not, explain the dangers to your loved one yourself, being empathetic but firm. A driving evaluation from an occupational therapist is another way to convince someone with Alzheimer's to give up the keys. If you get a lot of resistance, report your safety concerns to the local Department of Motor Vehicles, which will require testing and can revoke a license. Because this may not be enough to keep someone with Alzheimer's off the road, also remove driving access: Replace or file down car keys so they don't work, or disable or sell the car.

If there's no other driver in the household, ask your area agency on aging about transportation alternatives in your community, such as taxi services, volunteer networks, and paratransit (passenger service via vans or buses, often set up for seniors or the disabled). A more expensive option is to hire a driver-escort as needed. Or begin to explore alternative living arrangements that don't require a car.