Driving Abilities in Frontotemporal Dementia Patients

Objective: To evaluate driving competency and the relationship between neuropsychiatric symptoms and driving behavior in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) patients. Methods: Fifteen patients with a diagnosis of FTD and 15 healthy controls were administered a driving simulation task. Measures of driving performance and neuropsychiatric symptoms were assessed. Results: The FTD patients received more speeding tickets, ran more stop signs and were involved in more off-road crashes and collisions than the controls. The patients’ overall average speed was significantly higher. Driving performance was correlated with agitated behavior. Conclusions: Behavioral changes characteristic of FTD patients have an impact on their driving skills leading to inappropriate driving behavior.