INVESTIGATING DECLINE IN DRIVING PERFORMANCE AND FINANCIAL SKILLS WITHIN A CONTINUUM OF MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT. (11th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bull, T; Steward, K; Kennedy, R; Elgin, J; Marson, D; Owsley, C; Wadley, V
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 2(2018)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 248
• Page End: 248
• Publication Date: 2018-11-11
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.926
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: Previous studies have suggested that Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) due to AD represents a continuum of progression from preclinical disease to amnestic single-domain (ASD) to multiple-domain (AMD) and subsequent dementia. This study will examine deficits in driving performance, financial abilities, and processing speed across the continuum of MCI. Eighty-eight clinically referred adults aged 54–88 were evaluated through a comprehensive neuropsychological battery, informant questionnaire, and medical history, and classified by investigators as possible MCI (no objective impairment), MCI-ASD, MCI-AMD, or mild dementia. Separate from the adjudication of diagnosis, participants were administered the Financial Capacity Instrument – Short Form (FCI-SF), the Useful Field of View (UFOV), and an on-road driving test administered by a Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist masked to diagnosis. Group differences between global driving rating, UFOV crash risk index and total score, and FCI-SF total scores were examined using one-way ANOVA and planned comparisons. We hypothesized that participants with possible MCI and MCI-ASD would not differ due to a presumed lack of deficits in processing speed, but the remaining groups would differ due to further cognitive decline. We found group differences in global driving rating, UFOV score and risk index, and FCI-SF score (p<.001). Pairwise comparisons demonstrated no differences between possible MCI and MCI-ASD. Significant differences were observed between all other groups except for MCI-AMD and mild dementia on the UFOV. Findings suggest that processing speed deficits may be an important characteristic in the progression of MCI to dementia in terms of poorer driving performance and decreased financial skills.