Alzheimer Disease Biomarkers and Driving in Clinically Normal Older Adults: Role of Spatial Navigation Abilities

作者：Allison Samantha; Babulal Ganesh M; Stout Sarah H; Barco Peggy P; Carr David B; Fagan Anne M; Morris John C; Roe Catherine M; Head Denise^*

来源：Alzheimer Disease and Associated Disorders, 2018, 32(2): 101-106.

DOI：10.1097/WAD.0000000000000257

• driving space
• preclinical Alzheimer disease
• amyloid deposition
• on-road driving test

Purpose:Older adults experience impaired driving performance, and modify their driving habits, including limiting amount and spatial extent of travel. Alzheimer disease (AD)-related pathology, as well as spatial navigation difficulties, may influence driving performance and driving behaviors in clinically normal older adults. We examined whether AD biomarkers [cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of A(42), tau, and ptau(181)] were associated with lower self-reported spatial navigation abilities, and whether navigation abilities mediated the relationship of AD biomarkers with driving performance and extent.Methods:Clinically normal older adults (n=112; aged 65+) completed an on-road driving test, the Santa Barbara Sense of Direction scale (self-report measure of spatial navigation ability), and the Driving Habits Questionnaire for an estimate of driving extent (composite of driving exposure and driving space). All participants had a lumbar puncture to obtain CSF.Results:CSF A(42), but not tau or ptau(181), was associated with self-reported navigation ability. Lower self-reported navigation was associated with reduced driving extent, but not driving errors. Self-reported navigation mediated the relationship between CSF A(42) and driving extent.Conclusions:Findings suggest that cerebral amyloid deposition is associated with lower perceived ability to navigate the environment, which may lead older adults with AD pathology to limit their driving extent.

• 出版日期2018-6