On Tuesday 27 May, Bob & Joy Graham asked for experience
About 4 years ago, I attended a presentation given by the Professor of
Psychology at Leeds University, Professor Mindham, (What a splendid name for
a Psychologist!). He was reporting on a group of about 300 PWPs, who had
been monitored for several years. The objective was to assess driving
capability and PD, and was done by regularly measuring the performance of
each subject by measuring co-ordination and reaction times on a fairly
simple driving simulator. The main conclusion was that in every case when he
decided that a person's reactions, etc were at a level where they should be
considered unsafe to drive, that person had already made the decision to
give up driving.
I found that to be a reassuring finding, demonstrating that most PWPs
maintain a realistic and responsible attitude to driving. My confidence was
slightly dented by one or two of the horror stories which have been
mentioned on these pages, but hopefully they are extreme examples.
I drive occasionally these days, and only attempt long drives (greater
than 20 miles) with my wife and co-driver beside me. After considerable
thought, I decided to stay with the manual transmission , because my ability
to change gear smoothly. is the first thing that goes when I am sliding into
an off period. When properly dosed with my meds, I consider myself to be a
normal driver, but I would not even attempt to drive when in the Off
condition; it would be totally irresponsible. If I have taken too much
Levodopa, I can drive, but it is not an enjoyable activity: I find myself
gripping the wheel so tightly that my arthritis plays up, and there is a
risk that I will cause dents in the steering wheel!
My 'vital statistics' are : Diagnosed 18 yrs ago
First symptoms 24 yrs ago
Age now: 57
P.S. I can still ride my bike, even when I am 'Off' and it keeps me much
fitter
Regards,
-- Brian Collins <[log in to unmask]>
