S u m m a r y

 

Kuikka P, Nybo T, Akila R & Ranta M (2005)

Assessing cognition among elderly drivers

Psykologia 41: 96&endash;106. Vammala ISSN 0355-1067.

 

This article discusses the challenges met by clinical psychologists when assessing the driving ability of elderly patients. Based on a literature review and the clinical experience of the authors, the core cognitive functions for the psychological assessment of driving competence are executive functions, active visual search, working memory capacity, decision making speed and awareness of possible cognitive defects. Information about these functions should be gathered, in addition to test performance, by interviewing the patient and his/her close relatives and by observing test performance. In driving competence decision making the general view of the patient's cognitive functioning is more important than individual test scores. Short cognitive screening tests are not sufficient for making decisions concerning driving competence. In addition to the standardized intelligence and memory scales, tests of attention and visual perception are recommended. On-road testing provides information about driving experience. A safe driving style can to some extent compensate cognitive deficiency.

 

Key words:

Cognition, elderly, driving, neuropsychological tests.

 

Pekka Kuikka, LicPsych, specialist in neuropsychology, Neuroarviot Oy, Väinönkatu 6 A, FIN-40100 Jyväskylä, Finland

Taina Nybo, LicPsych, specialist in neuropsychology & Ritva Akila, LicPsych, specialist in neuropsychology, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, FIN-00250 Helsinki, Finland

Mervi Ranta, LicPsych, specialist in neuropsychology, Seinäjoki Hospital, Hanneksenrinne 7, FIN-60220 Seinäjoki, Finland.