Cognitive Decline and Driving Patterns Revealed by GPS Data

Early indications of cognitive decline could affect the way we drive, with preferred travel times and route choices potentially offering clues about future mental health.

Cognitive decline and driving patterns

A study by researchers at Washington University in St Louis suggests that driving less frequently and relying on familiar routes may signal that drivers at risk of a future road accident could benefit from early intervention.

When considered alongside other symptoms, details of a patient's driving habits may assist with diagnosis. The researchers found that combining GPS tracker data with conventional age and memory assessments, plus other demographic information, accurately identified cognitive decline in people with pre-existing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) 87 percent of the time.

"Early identification of older drivers who are at risk for accidents is a public health priority, but identifying people who are unsafe is challenging and time-consuming," says neurology researcher Ganesh Babulal.

"We found that using a GPS data tracking device, we could more accurately determine who had developed cognitive issues than looking at just factors such as age, cognitive test scores, and whether they had a genetic risk factor related to Alzheimer's disease."

GPS data reveals changes in driving

The researchers examined information from 56 people previously diagnosed with MCI, which is a precursor to Alzheimer's disease, and compared them with 242 demographically similar people without cognitive problems. Participants had an average age of 75.

They assessed driving behaviour automatically recorded by the volunteers' vehicles over a study period of up to 40 months, alongside established test results covering memory, attention and executive function.

After accounting for variables such as age, education and genetic risk of Alzheimer's, the MCI group displayed changing driving patterns over time. They drove less often, visited fewer destinations, selected less complex routes and exceeded speed limits less frequently.

Using the driving information alone, the analysis correctly detected MCI in 82 percent of cases. Although the researchers say that some of these changes may result from the self-regulation that commonly occurs with ageing, the data could also serve as an early indicator of cognitive decline.

"Looking at people's daily driving behavior is a relatively low-burden, unobtrusive way to monitor people's cognitive skills and ability to function," says Babulal.

Driving may feel automatic, particularly for people who have spent many years behind the wheel, but it demands considerable mental processing and coordination. This is one reason distractions can be so hazardous.

The team intends to examine its hypothesis in larger and more diverse populations, incorporating further potentially relevant information, including vehicle type, geographical location and other medical conditions.

"This could help identify drivers who are at risk earlier for early intervention, before they have a crash or near-miss, which is often what happens now," says Babulal.

"Of course, we also need to respect people's autonomy, privacy, and informed decision-making and ensure ethical standards are met."

The research was published in Neurology.