Abstract

The purpose of the present pilot study was to examine the effect of donepezil on simulated driving among healthy older adults. Twenty participants with a mean age of 72 years were randomized to take 5 mg of donepezil or placebo for 2 weeks. All participants were assessed at baseline and 2 weeks later on measures of attention, global cognition, and simulated driving on the York driving simulator. Driving measures included speed deviation, deviation of road position, reaction time to wind gusts, and collisions. Groups were compared using analysis of covariance, controlling for baseline values. There were no differences between the groups on attentional measures, number of collisions, or composite simulator measures. The placebo group fared approximately 0.5 second better in reaction time to wind gusts and showed a nonsignificant tendency toward less deviation of road position, compared with the donepezil group. This analysis does not support the use of donepezil to extend the period of safe driving among older adults, but further study is needed regarding its role among patients with cognitive disorders.