Driving and HD

Once a person is diagnosed with HD or tests positive for the HD allele, many adjustments will have to be made in due course in his or her life. For example, some people will change their diet, others will increase their amount of daily exercise, and some will do both. In addition to such lifestyle changes, some who are symptomatic may choose to limit or even stop former daily activities, such as driving automobiles. Whether it is always necessary to cease driving still remains to be seen, yet studies show that the vast majority of HD patients end up turning in their keys.

The liberty to drive is often taken for granted by the population at large. However, for people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases like HD, a loss in the ability to drive may stimulate feelings of helplessness and depression due to a loss of independence. HD patients often become dependent on family members and friends to take them out and drive them from place to place, especially in areas where public transportation is inadequate. This dependence can be taxing for both parties involved, and it is sometimes viewed as an added burden.

The ability to drive can be significantly impaired by HD, and this is an issue which should not be ignored when making lifestyle adjustments. However, an HD diagnosis does not automatically mean that a person should cease driving. Since different people are in different stages of the disease, to continue or stop driving altogether is a personal decision that should be made with input from family, friends and physicians.

This article considers the following three questions:

• Why do people with HD give up driving?
• What does the law have to say about HD and driving?
• How can individuals with HD drive safely?

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Last Modified: 04/12/2007

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