Abstract
Objectives: Aging entails deterioration in sensory, physical, and cognitive functions, raising doubt in the driving capacity of older drivers, especially when the deficits are severe, as in dementia. Many older drivers, especially women, adapt their driving habits in order to compensate for these deficits and eventually stop driving. The present prospective study assessed driving cessation in men and women throughout the dementia process, including a 2-year pre-dementia phase. Methods: The study was based on a three-city cohort of subjects who were aged 65 years and older in 2000 and followed for more than 10 years. Active dementia detection was conducted at each followup. The probability of driving cessation was assessed in men and women during the 2-year predementia phase and until 5 years after diagnosis. Results: In the 2-year pre-dementia phase, both men and women ceased driving earlier than drivers with no central nervous system pathology (p