Parkinson disease and driving: an evidence-based review

Abstract

The growing literature on driving in Parkinson disease (PD) has shown that driving is impaired in PD compared to healthy comparison drivers. PD is a complex neurodegenerative disorder leading to motor, cognitive, and visual impairments, all of which can affect fitness to drive. In this review, we examined studies of driving performance (on-road tests and simulators) in PD for outcome measures and their predictors. We searched through various databases and found 25 (of 99) primary studies, all published in English. Using the American Academy of Neurology criteria, a study class of evidence was assigned (I-IV, I indicating the highest level of evidence) and recommendations were made (Level A: predictive or not; B: probably predictive or not; C: possibly predictive or not; U: no recommendations). From available Class II and III studies, we identified various cognitive, visual, and motor measures that met different levels of evidence (usually Level B or C) with respect to predicting on-road and simulated driving performance. Class I studies reporting Level A recommendations for definitive predictors of driving performance in drivers with PD are needed by policy makers and clinicians to develop evidence-based guidelines.

Figure. Flow diagram

ADL = activities of daily living; AVLT = Auditory Verbal Learning Test; BVRT = Benton Visual Retention Task; CDR = Clinical Dementia Rating Scale; DMV = Department of Motor Vehicles; MMSE = Mini-Mental State Examination; ROCT = Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test; HVLT = Hopkins Verbal Learning Test; JOLO = Judgment of Line Orientation; SDMT = Symbol Digit Modalities Test; UFOV = Useful Field of View.