Senior Driving Simulation Training for Subjective Cognitive Decline and Mild Cognitive Impairment

Driving behavior is a high cognitively demanding task, and whether the Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) can continue to drive is an important issue. This study will develop the Taiwan version of innovative, immediate feedback and environmentally safe Senior Driving Simulation Training (SDST). This study aims to establish the Senior Driving Simulation Training (SDST) for Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and explore the effectiveness of Senior Driving Simulation Training (SDST) on the executive function, cognitive function and EEG. The investigators intend to conduct a single-blind randomized controlled trial using a two-arm parallel-group design. Participants will be randomized by the permuted block randomization, block size of 4, into an experimental group (Senior Driving Simulation Training: 30-mins training session two times per week for 5 weeks, with a total of 10 sessions) or a control group (Waiting list). The investigators plan to blind the therapists and outcome assessors to maintain the blinding methods' quality. The primary outcome indicators are mental set-shifting, working memory, and inhibition. The secondary outcome indicators are cognitive function and EEG. The investigators also evaluate visual awareness and simulator sickness. The short-term (immediate post-test) and the long-term (3, 6, and 12 months) effectiveness of the intervention on individual outcome measures will be analyzed by the generalized estimating equation. The investigators also plan to use the secondary data analysis methods to investigate the relationship between objective indicators of a driving simulator, executive function, cognitive function, EEG, visual awareness, and simulator sickness. Furthermore, the investigators will analyze the trend of EEG while the participants conducting the training, and complete the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Cognitive Change Index (C-CCI). This will be the first senior driving simulation training (SDST) for Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in Taiwan. Results of the current study will provide valuable information on driving safety decisions and apply to promote the advanced driving policies.

Inclusion criteria

• Subjective cognitive decline( AD-8 scale ≥1 point).
• Mild cognitive impairment (AD-8 scale ≥ 2 points), and MMSE> 24 points, can maintain personal daily activity function.
• Can communicate in Chinese or Taiwanese.
• At least 60 years of age.
• Those with a car driving license.
• No physical impairment.
• In addition to the above conditions, participants must be voluntary and signed informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Dementia, diagnosed by a physician and in compliance with ICD-10.
• Significant mental illness or communication impairment.