SENSOR
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Symptom and Environmental effects in Neurodegenerative diSease On Real-world driving (SENSOR)
IRAS ID
314729
Contact name
Michael Hornberger
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of East Anglia
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 4 months, 31 days
Research summary
Cognitive decline in ageing and neuropathological disease is a leading factor in changes towards driving behaviour that increase the likelihood of road traffic accidents. Nonetheless, there is a limited understanding as to how and when cognitive changes in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Prodromal Dementia influence driving behaviour. In providing a clinical recommendation over the driving fitness of an individual recently diagnosed with preclinical dementia, current guidance from the DVLA states that a license holder with mild cognitive impairment does not need to inform the licensing agency despite some risk of decline in driving ability; and currently the onus is on the individual themselves and their loved ones to decide when driving should be ceased. However, in cognitive decline, research shows that individuals show reduced self-awareness of their driving safety, and therefore they may continue driving at a greater risk to themselves and other road users. The current study will therefore aim to elucidate how cognitive changes in early dementia influence driving behaviour by measuring driving behaviour and relating this with cognitive markers and biomarkers associated with early dementia. We will measure real-world driving behaviour using GPS location devices fitted to vehicles for two weeks, and relate this to cognitive functioning using state-of-the-art neuropsychological assessments. In addition, we will also be testing for clinical dementia biomarkers using MRI and blood tests, and will collect physical measurements such as height, weight, and blood pressure. Furthermore, we will use location data to assess how environmental factors (i.e. road networks) interact with cognitive markers to explore risk factors towards changed driving behaviour. The newly gained knowledge from this study will lead to an improved understanding as to how driving behaviour is influenced in early dementia, which can inform future disease management recommendations.
REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/PR/0928
Date of REC Opinion
22 Sep 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion