The value of using the Addenbrookes Cognitive Exam-III and the Rookwood Driving Battery to aid fitness-to-drive decisions with people who have dementia or mild cognitive impairment

Abstract

Introduction: Further evidence is required to support the use of a combination of a generalist cognitive screen Addenbrookes Cognitive Exam-III and a specialist neuropsychological driving screen Rookwood Driving Battery to aid occupational therapists in making fitness-to-drive decisions for people with dementia. Method: An exploratory retrospective study was completed for drivers with dementia or mild cognitive impairment living within Scotland. Data were extracted from patient notes of drivers referred to occupational therapy, who had an ACE-III and RDB completed within a 6-month timeframe. Results: The study sample included 98 participants. A significant negative correlation was identified between both assessments. Lower cut-off scores were identified on the ACE-III below which no participant scored Rookwood Driving Battery <6 (Addenbrookes Cognitive Exam-III cut-off = 65), or the upper Rookwood Driving Battery pass of ⩽10 (Addenbrookes Cognitive Exam-III cut-off = 54). A small subset of participants ( n = 14) sat the on-road test. No participant passed on-road with a score >7 on the Rookwood Driving Battery. Conclusion: The ACE-III is a useful guide for referral to occupational therapy for assessment using the Rookwood Driving Battery and subsequent fitness-to-drive decisions for people with dementia.