Driving Habits May Signal Cognitive Decline

Early indicators of cognitive decline could affect how we drive, suggesting our travel choices might reveal something about our mental health in the future.

A study from Washington University in St. Louis discovered that those who drive less frequently and tend to use familiar routes may require early intervention, especially if they’re at risk of vehicular accidents.

This information could assist in diagnosing cognitive issues, particularly when combined with other symptoms. The researchers found that using data from GPS devices alongside traditional age and memory tests—plus other demographic considerations—allowed them to accurately identify cognitive decline in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) about 87% of the time.

“It’s really important to identify older drivers who might pose a risk for accidents, but it’s often a tough and lengthy process,” notes neurology researcher Ganesh Babulal.

“By leveraging GPS tracking devices, we found we could pinpoint those with cognitive impairments more accurately than relying solely on factors like age, test scores, or genetic risk related to Alzheimer’s.”

The research involved 56 individuals diagnosed with MCI—often a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease—comparing them to 242 similar individuals without cognitive problems, all averaging around 75 years old.

The scientists analyzed driving patterns from the volunteers’ vehicles over a period of up to 40 months, along with results from established tasks assessing memory, attention, and executive function.

Even after accounting for factors like age and education, those with MCI showed notable differences in their driving behaviors over time: they took fewer trips, visited fewer locations, chose simpler routes, and drove more slowly.

Solely evaluating the driving data allowed researchers to identify individuals with MCI 82% of the time. They suggest that while some self-regulation occurs as people age, these driving changes might also serve as an early warning sign of cognitive decline.

“Monitoring daily driving behaviors provides a low-effort and discreet method for assessing cognitive capabilities,” Babulal emphasizes.

Driving often becomes second nature, especially for seasoned drivers. However, it requires significant mental effort and coordination, which is why distractions can be so perilous.

The team plans to expand their research to larger and more diverse groups while considering additional variables like vehicle type, location, and other health conditions.

“Identifying at-risk drivers sooner can prompt interventions before accidents or near-misses occur,” Babulal mentions.

“Of course, we have to ensure that we respect people’s autonomy and privacy while adhering to ethical standards.”

This research has been published in Neurology.