Via practica 1/2013

Cognitive function disorders and evaluation of abilities to drive a car

The aim of this paper is to provide information on how the disorders of cognitive functions may influence the safe way of driving a motor vehicle. We focus above all on a group of nonprofessional drivers in advanced age who have a higher incidence of cognitive functions deficits of various etiology. They may be a sign of physiological aging but mainly a consequence of some somatic diseases manifesting also with various coincidental psychic changes. We give a review of the most frequent diagnosis associated with cognitive function disorders and draw attention to some solutions which may be helpful for a practitioner in decision making about medical approval to drive a motor vehicle.

Keywords: cognitive and executive functions, neuropsychology, ability to drive a car, specific functions