AD8 vs Safe Older Drivers

The Ascertain Dementia 8-item Informant Questionnaire (AD8) The AD8 is an 8-question interview tool which distinguishes individuals with very mild dementia from those without dementia, regardless of etiology.  Questions are given to the respondent for self–administration or can be read aloud to the respondent either in person or over the phone. It is preferable to administer the AD8 to an informant, if available. If an informant is not available, the AD8 may be administered to the patient. Administration guidelines along with information on interpreting the results are contained within the app. Screening tests such as the AD8 are insufficient to diagnose a dementing disorder. The AD8 is, however, sensitive to detecting early cognitive changes associated with many common dementing illnesses, including Alzheimer disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. The AD8 is based on intra-individual decline and has been demonstrated to be a valid and reliable screening tool for dementia. Disclaimer: Scores in the impaired range indicate a need for further assessment from a medical provider. Scores in the “normal” range suggest that a dementing disorder is unlikely, but a very early disease process cannot be ruled out. More advanced assessment may be warranted in cases where other objective evidence of impairment exists. Seek advice from a medical provider in addition to using the app and before making any medical decisions. You assume all liability due to or arising from your use of the AD8. Washington University will not be liable to Licensee for any loss, claim or demand made or incurred by the Licensee or any third party, due to or arising from the use of the AD8 by Licensee. Before using the AD8 app, all users will be required to read and accept the full Permission & Licensing Statement displayed when the app opens.

The American Geriatrics Society developed this app under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with the goal of helping health care practitioners prevent motor vehicle crashes and injury to older adults. Health care practitioners caring for older adults are in a leading position to address and correct this public health concern at the individual patient and caregiver level. By adopting preventive practices—including the assessment and counseling strategies outlined in this app—clinicians can better identify older drivers at risk for crashes, help enhance their driving safety, and ease the transition to driving retirement if and when it becomes necessary.