Safe Move: Factors leading to a strong overestimation of cognitive performances in older drivers: first results from a cohort study in France
Résumé
In the course of aging, a number of physical and cognitive changes, as well as health problems, may affect driving ability. Driving in elderly is only a problem of concern if those presenting cognitive deficits do not adapt their driving behaviour in accordance. Compensatory strategies such as reduction of miles driven, avoidance of difficult driving situations and ultimately driving cessation are frequent among older drivers. The hypothesis of the SAFE MOVE project is that the intermediate variable between cognitive decline and an adapted driving regulation is awareness of troubles, overestimation may potentially lead to accident risk, and underestimation to premature driving cessation. In order to design preventive action, it is then crucial to understand the factors associated with self-estimation. In the present study, factors associated with a strong overestimation of cognitive abilities are explored. The study population comprised 1204 car drivers aged 70 and over. They were chosen at random from electoral list of 2 administrative areas in France, contacted by mail, and asked to agree in writing to participate to the study. Individuals were seen at home by a psychologist who completed a questionnaire and two cognitive tests. The self-estimation of cognitive abilities, over, under, and correct estimation of cognitive abilities, was built by comparing objective and subjective evaluations of these capabilities. The objective evaluation was based on a combination of speed and error measurements to the cognitive tests (Trail Making Test A and B, Wechsler codes). Subjective assessment was constructed by 4 questions in which drivers compared their cognitive abilities than other people their age. Thus, 8.2% strongly overestimate their cognitive abilities. Various factors will be analyzed to explain this strong overestimation: age, gender, living arrangement, socioeconomic status, educational level, social support, depression, personality. Some drivers will be submitted to an on-road driving evaluation. This will allow determining if overestimations of cognitive and driving abilities are correlated.