Driving, dementia and Australian physicians: primum non nocere?

Authors

John Carmody, University of WollongongFollow
Victoria Traynor, University of WollongongFollow
Donald C. Iverson, University of WollongongFollow
Elena M. Marchetti, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

76713

Publication Details

Carmody, J., Traynor, V., Iverson, D. & Marchetti, E. (2013). Driving, dementia and Australian physicians: primum non nocere?. Internal Medicine Journal, 43 (6), 625-630.

Abstract

Older Australians are increasingly reliant on automobiles as their sole form of transport. As our population is ageing and the prevalence of dementia is increasing, it is anticipated that the number of drivers with dementia will rise over time. Much of the literature relating to driving and dementia focuses on safety rather than mobility. The objective of this paper is to highlight several topical ethical issues that pertain to Australian drivers with dementia. It is recommended that future research, policy and practice should centre on the crucial mobility and transport needs of our senior citizens.