Brain health behind the wheel: study tracks how depression and Alzheimer's change driving in seniors

NCT ID NCT05446805

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looks at how depression and very early (preclinical) Alzheimer's disease affect driving habits in adults aged 65 and older who still drive regularly. Participants will have their driving tracked with a GPS device and undergo brain scans to measure Alzheimer-related proteins. The goal is to understand whether these conditions lead to unsafe driving, which could inform future safety recommendations.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Flortaucipir (F 18 AV-1451) and Pittsburgh Compound B

What this could lead to

If successful, this research could help identify driving risks in older adults with depression or early Alzheimer's, potentially leading to safety guidelines or interventions.

What could go wrong

This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It may not find clear links between depression, Alzheimer's, and driving behavior, and results may not apply to all older drivers.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Alzheimer disease Depression depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Washington University School of Medicine

    RECRUITING

    St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••