Vision-Based Assessment of Driving Ability in Individuals With Dementia

This is an experimental study protocol to investigate the use of vision-based assessments like eye-tracking and visual processing tests to evaluate driving ability in older adults with and without dementia. The study aims to address the research gap on the specific eye movement patterns and visual behaviors of individuals with Alzheimer's disease during high-risk driving scenarios.

The study will recruit 15 participants aged 65+ with cognitive impairment and 15 without cognitive impairment. Their cognitive status will be assessed using the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) and Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT). Participants will undergo visual screening tests like visual sensitivity, eye movement scanning, and the Corsi block span test. Their driving performance will be evaluated through a hazard perception test and driving experience survey.

Statistical analyses like correlations, group comparisons, regression, and mediation analyses will be conducted to examine the relationships between cognitive status, visual screening scores, and driving performance scores. The goal is to determine if visual measures can predict driving ability and mediate the link between cognitive function and driving performance in those with dementia.

In summary, it is a protocol for an observational study using vision-based techniques to assess driving capacity in older adults, especially those with Alzheimer's disease or dementia.