{"id":237322,"date":"2023-09-29T14:44:51","date_gmt":"2023-09-29T14:44:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lovemainstream.com\/?p=237322"},"modified":"2023-09-29T14:44:51","modified_gmt":"2023-09-29T14:44:51","slug":"the-signs-in-a-persons-driving-and-parking-that-could-signal-dementia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lovemainstream.com\/lifestyle\/the-signs-in-a-persons-driving-and-parking-that-could-signal-dementia\/","title":{"rendered":"The signs in a person’s driving and parking that could signal dementia"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dr Hilary lists the early symptoms of dementia<\/h3>\n

Dementia is the name for a group of symptoms linked to the ongoing decline of the brain.<\/p>\n

For this reason, early signs of the condition can include well-known symptoms such as memory loss and personality changes.<\/p>\n

However, as a progressive condition it tends to worsen over time.<\/p>\n

This can result in further cognitive problems, and even physical side effects.<\/p>\n

According to two experts, these can become apparent when an affected person drives a car.<\/p>\n

READ MORE <\/strong> The sign at night that can signal dementia risk, according to new study<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Speaking exclusively to\u00a0Express.co.uk, Stewart McGinn – managing director at Baycroft Care Homes, explained: \u201cDementia poses significant challenges to a person’s driving and parking abilities.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe cognitive decline associated with dementia, including memory loss, impaired judgement, and reduced attention span, can make road navigation increasingly difficult.<\/p>\n

\u201cDecision-making becomes problematic, affecting the ability to react to unexpected situations or the ability to make sound judgments.<\/p>\n

\u201cReduced reaction times can impair responses to sudden changes in traffic conditions, such as unexpected braking or swerving vehicles.\u201d<\/p>\n

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He said some manoeuvres may no longer be achievable for someone with dementia.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerforming complex parking manoeuvres, like parallel parking or navigating tight spaces, may prove challenging due to difficulties in judging angles and distances,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpatial awareness and the ability to judge distances may also deteriorate, leading to inaccuracies in parking and an increased risk of collisions.<\/p>\n

\u201cGetting lost, even in familiar surroundings, can also become a concern, as can the propensity for agitation and anxiety while driving or parking.\u201d<\/p>\n

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He warned: \u201cIn advanced stages of dementia, individuals may exhibit wandering behaviour, which could happen while driving, potentially endangering themselves and others on the road.\u201d<\/p>\n

Doctor Angela Rai, GP at The London General Practice, agreed.<\/p>\n

She added: \u201cAlthough driving can feel automatic, it is a complex task that requires memory, concentration, good reaction times and spatial skills – signs of cognitive impairment affect visuo-spatial skills which is vital when judging distances and manoeuvring a car.<\/p>\n

\u201cMemory impairment can affect these skills and this can impact on how safe it is for you to drive.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlso other symptoms of dementia that can affect someone\u2019s driving and parking ability include loss of sense of direction, especially in familiar environments and confusion, lack of concentration and new anxiety for no apparent reason.\u201d<\/p>\n

Other signs of dementia, according to the NHS, include:<\/p>\n