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Altered driving patterns could serve as an early warning sign of dementia , according to fresh research.

Individuals with a condition that precedes Alzheimer's disease begin to reduce their time behind the wheel - particularly during nighttime hours - and tend to favour well-known routes, the study reveals.

GPS tracking devices proved more effective at identifying brain health concerns than age or memory assessments on their own, American researchers report.

Incorporating driving information into the analysis boosted the precision of detecting cognitive deterioration to 87%.

Observing the driving behaviour of elderly individuals could assist in identifying brain changes at an early stage - before any accidents occur, the research team suggests.

Study author Professor G

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