Parkinson’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects movement and coordination. It occurs when nerve cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra become damaged or die. These cells produce dopamine, a chemical that helps control smooth and purposeful muscle movements.
You are probably familiar with the common motor symptoms of including tremors, muscle stiffness or rigidity, slowness of movement (bradykinesia) and impaired balance and coordination. But did you know that Parkinson’s can include “non-motor” symptoms too? These may include:
- Slowed thinking (bradyphrenia): A general slowing of thought processes.
- Executive dysfunction: Challenges with planning, organizing, multitasking, and problem-solving.
- Attention difficulties: Trouble focusing, especially in distracting environments.
- Memory issues: Particularly with recalling recent events or learning new information.
- Visuospatial challenges: Difficulty judging distances or navigating spaces.
- Sleep disturbances
Each person’s with Parkinson’s disease is different. The “non-motor” changes vary can be subtle initially but may progress over time. Some individuals experience mild cognitive impairment (MCI) without significant impact on daily activities, while others may develop Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD), characterized by more pronounced cognitive decline
What does this mean for driving?
Driving is a complex interaction between attention and perception, planning and judgement and motor coordination. Non-motor symptoms that affect executive functioning and visual-spatial processing may slow reaction speeds, slow planning and decision making, make multitasking more difficult and affect sustained attention. Motor symptoms may hinder make it more difficult to produce powerful and fast motor movements on the steering wheel and brake and accelerator pedals. This may hinder a person’s ability to rapidly scan a traffic situation, identify critical information, plan and make a decision and then execute that using the vehicle.
I’m concerned about my driving. What should I do?
Your first port of call is always to speak with your doctor – whether that be your GP, Neurologist or Geriatrician. The presentation and progression of Parkinson’s disease can vary between individuals and your doctor can complete a clinical review of symptoms, a medication review to screen for side effects and response, and recommend adjunct therapies such as Physiotherapy, cognitive therapies and lifestyle modifications that may help manage motor and non-motor symptoms. They can also refer you for a comprehensive occupational therapy driving assessment that will provide a practical assessment any impact the diagnosis may be having on your driving skill areas and make recommendations around driving to maximise your ability continue driving safely. Recommendations may include regular onroad review, restrictions around driving radius, times of day and vehicle type.
If you or someone you know requires an occupational therapy driving assessment, please feel free to contact Driving Well Occupational Therapy to arrange an assessment.
