Alzheimer's link to fatal accidents

At least one third of older drivers who die in car accidents have Alzheimer's disease, the degenerative brain condition which causes confusion, impared judgment and bad co-ordination, according to a study. Scientists who examined the brains of 98 drivers over 65 who died in car accidents found signs of the disease in the area associated with judgment and co- ordination. The authors, from Huddinge University Hospital in Sweden, say that 33 per cent of the drivers were definitely affected, with a further 20 per cent possibly affected.

Most people affected by Alzheimer's do not realise there is anything wrong with them in the early stages, and nor do their families. The authors, writing in the Lancet, say older drivers involved in accidents should have their cognitive performance tested.