[Driving ability in mild cognitive impairment and dementia].

Executive functions, visuo-spatial processing and control of behaviour are pertinent for safe driving. In patients with mild cognitive impairment and dementia, these abilities can be impaired, in addition to age-related impairments, and driving ability can be compromised at an early stage. Neurologists and psychiatrists play an important role in the examination, counseling and, if required, the issuing of a medical driving ban. Mistakes in this process may ensue forensic sequelae for the involved physicians. The present article presents the relevant conditions and associated cognitive impairments, and gives some recommendations on the neuropsychological workup and on the communication with patients and relatives concerning driving. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.