—Julia Ferris (Mentor: Sajay Arthanat)
Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by deficits in attention, visual-spatial processing, judgment, memory, and executive functioning (Malvitz et al., 2023). Consequently, ADRD can eventually impact an individual’s ability to drive safely. Premature driving cessation leads to decreases in social interaction and is tied to enhanced risk for depression, physical or cognitive decline, institutionalization, and social isolation (Davis & Owens, 2021; Stamatelos et al., 2021; Allison et al., 2018). Current legislation and assessments to measure driving performance are not universally agreed upon and pose many limitations. This study implements the use of a Global Positioning System (GPS)-based on-board technology to observe the driving behavior of individuals with ADRD, to promote reduced caregiver anxiety and burden. The study involved a mixed-methods design, collecting data over three months through naturalistic observations, interviews, and by using the Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) framework. Currently, data is still being analyzed to support the reliability and validity of the findings, but preliminary feedback from the first participant group has been positive and indicative of the technology successfully supporting the caregiver. A complete analysis of this data will inform the dependability of this technology and its potential benefit to care partners.
