Citation

Allison S, Babulal GM, Stout SH, Barco PP, Carr DB, Fagan AM, Morris JC, Roe CM, Head D. Alzheimer Dis. Assoc. Disord. 2018; 32(2): 101-106.

Affiliation

Radiology.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/WAD.0000000000000257

PMID

29578861

Abstract

PURPOSE: Older adults experience impaired driving performance, and modify their driving habits, including limiting amount and spatial extent of travel. Alzheimer disease (AD)-related pathology, as well as spatial navigation difficulties, may influence driving performance and driving behaviors in clinically normal older adults. We examined whether AD biomarkers [cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of Aβ42, tau, and ptau181] were associated with lower self-reported spatial navigation abilities, and whether navigation abilities mediated the relationship of AD biomarkers with driving performance and extent.

METHODS: Clinically normal older adults (n=112; aged 65+) completed an on-road driving test, the Santa Barbara Sense of Direction scale (self-report measure of spatial navigation ability), and the Driving Habits Questionnaire for an estimate of driving extent (composite of driving exposure and driving space). All participants had a lumbar puncture to obtain CSF.

RESULTS: CSF Aβ42, but not tau or ptau181, was associated with self-reported navigation ability. Lower self-reported navigation was associated with reduced driving extent, but not driving errors. Self-reported navigation mediated the relationship between CSF Aβ42 and driving extent.

CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that cerebral amyloid deposition is associated with lower perceived ability to navigate the environment, which may lead older adults with AD pathology to limit their driving extent.

Language: en