Abstract
The extent to which drivers in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pose a public health problem was examined by comparing the state driving records of persons diagnosed as probable AD with comparison drivers matched for date of birth, gender, and county of residence. Comparisons were limited to the time during which driving was reported for the AD patients. No differences were found for crash rate, and a few differences were identified in crash characteristics of the two groups. From a strictly public health standpoint, the findings did not support the contention that drivers in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease pose a significant public risk. (A)