In a significant study published online on May 22 in the journal *Neurology*, researchers identified key factors that predict future driving cessation among older adults. The study, led by Dr. Ganesh M. Babulal from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, sheds light on the roles of gender and cognitive function in this critical aspect of senior independence.

The research team conducted a prospective, longitudinal observation study involving participants from the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center and The DRIVES Project. The study included 283 cognitively normal participants aged 65 and older who were active drivers at the start of the study. These individuals were followed for an average of 5.62 years.

Key findings revealed that older age, female sex, and cognitive decline were strongly associated with an increased likelihood of driving cessation. Specifically, the progression to symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease, marked by a Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) of 0.5 or higher, and lower scores on the preclinical Alzheimer cognitive composite (PACC) were significant predictors.

Interestingly, while beta-amyloid (Aβ) positron emission tomography imaging did not independently predict driving cessation, cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers did. The ratios of t-Tau/Aβ42 and p-Tau/Aβ42 emerged as independent predictors even after adjusting for age, education, and sex. However, in the full model, while cognitive impairment progression based on the CDR and PACC scores increased the risk of driving cessation, Alzheimer disease biomarkers were not statistically significant predictors.

"This research contributes valuable insights into the predictors of driving cessation in older adults, with implications for clinical practice and public health policy," the authors concluded.

The study underscores the importance of monitoring cognitive health and providing support for older adults at risk of losing their driving independence, which is crucial for maintaining their quality of life and autonomy.