Automobile driving surveys designed for drivers, nondrivers, and caregivers were mailed to 70 patients with a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease and to their caregivers. The MMSE score of patients who were driving (n=16) was significantly higher (23.9 vs. 11.7 p < .001) than that of nondrivers. Other factors such as age, accident rate, and caregiver driving status did not differ. Caregiver surveys were utilized not only to validate patient responses, but also to identify their concerns. Actual behind the wheel test reports of 12 Alzheimer patients demonstrated serious deficiencies in judgement and in performance.
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