(IEEE, 2018-09-26) Shanthakumara, M; Kahandawaarachchi, K. A. D. C. P
Apraxia is one of the cognitive defects that characterizes
Alzheimer’s disease. Despite its prevalence and importance for
diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease (AD), this has devoted little
attention among research community. Apraxia was more common
in the Alzheimer’s disease (32.3%) than in both Subcortical
Vascular Dementia (SVaD) (16.7%) and Mild Cognitive
Impairment (MCI) (4.8%). The present study discusses a new
experimental study on fine motor-skill learning in patients with
dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Prior studies found intact fine motor-learning capacities.
Subsequently, it is elaborated how these intact learning abilities
can be exploited in the patient’s rehabilitation with respect to the
variables day today practice and feedback. The article concludes
that if training programs are adjusted to specific needs and
abilities, older people with AD can (re)learn practical motor skills,
which may enhance their autonomy in life.
