The impact of driving cessation for people with dementia – An integrative review

• Published in: Dementia Vol. 20; no. 3; pp. 1105 - 1123
• Main Authors: Holden, Alison, Pusey, Helen
• Format: Book Review Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.04.2021
• Subjects: driving cessation; dementia; interventions; post-cessation phase; impact
• ISSN: 1471-3012; 1741-2684
• DOI: 10.1177/1471301220919862

At the point of diagnosis of dementia many people will be driving and go on to experience the significant life transition from driver to non-driver. Driving plays an important role in society enhancing independence, quality of life and general health and well-being. Hence cessation from driving can be a very difficult life transition to make. The aim of this integrative review was to summarise what is known about the impact and experience for people with dementia and their carers in the ‘post-cessation’ phase of retiring from driving. Thematic analysis utilised themes identified in previous life transition research focusing on driving cessation and these included processes, influences, emotions, roles and programmes. Analysis revealed a lack of formal processes to follow in surrendering one’s licence and that the medical professions and multi-disciplinary teams should take more responsibility for the legal processes of driving cessation and supporting individuals at the point of and following this disclosure. People with dementia and their carers experience a significant impact upon their life roles and considerable emotional and psychological consequences. The review also suggested that there are a variety of influences affecting the life transition period from driver to non-driver such as family support and access to alternative forms of transport and that there is a need for development for interventions/programmes to support individuals with dementia post-driving cessation.