Search

Objective: The study aims at examining factors associated with driving status and self-reported driving difficulty, with particular attention to vision and cognitive impairment. Method: This study uses cross-sectional data from 421 elderly Latino participants in the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study (LALES) along with cognitive screening, and comparison is by driving status (currently driving, used to drive, never drove) and self-reported difficulty driving among current drivers. Results: Current drivers were more educated and reported better health. Those who never drove were less acculturated. Those who gave up driving had more visual impairment and lower scores on mental status testing. Self-reported difficulties among current drivers were associated with more health problems but not cognitive difficulties. Discussion: Elderly Latinos have a lower driving rate than the general older population. There are significant differences between older Latinos who continue to drive versus those who never drove or have stopped driving. Poorer cognitive performance and poorer vision are associated with driving cessation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Frequent review and update of guidelines are necessary for them to remain current and useful for clinical practices. This second revision of the postdiagnostic management of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) guideline by the California Workgroup was prompted by significant advances in knowledge about appropriate care management, including pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches to treatment of the disease, accompanying behavioral problems, and functional decline. The focus remains explicitly on primary care, where the majority of it occurs for those with AD and other dementias. Methods: In all, 40 experts in dementia care were recruited from a variety of disciplines across California. Four workgroups were created that reviewed recent research findings from a total of 569 publications since 2002. The revised Guideline incorporates 305 new references, including 11 state and federal laws, in addition to 78 references from the previous version. Results: The Guideline is divided into four sections that address postdiagnostic management: (1) assessment, (2) treatment, (3) patient and family education and support, and (4) legal considerations associated with AD. Significant revisions and changes in each area and the underlying research to support the recommendations are presented in this article. New topics related to early stage and end-of-life were identified and recommendations were developed for these specific populations. Conclusions: The Guideline recommendations provide a framework to inform and improve medical care for AD by primary health care providers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]