« Back to Glossary Index

Apraxia is a neurological disorder that affects a person’s ability to perform purposeful, learned motor skills, even though they have the desire and physical capacity to do so. It’s not a matter of muscle weakness or paralysis; it’s a disruption in the brain’s ability to plan and execute movements. This condition can significantly impact daily life, especially for seniors in assisted living or other care settings.

Key Characteristics of Apraxia:

• Difficulty with Learned Movements:
  • Trouble performing familiar tasks like brushing teeth, buttoning clothes, or using utensils.
  • Inability to follow verbal commands for motor actions.
• Motor Planning Deficits:
  • Difficulty sequencing and coordinating movements.
  • Hesitation or clumsiness when attempting to perform tasks.
• Varied Presentations:
  • Apraxia can affect different types of movements, including:
    • Ideomotor apraxia: Difficulty performing a movement on command.
    • Ideational apraxia: Difficulty with the sequence of steps in a complex task.
    • Oral apraxia: Difficulty with movements of the mouth and tongue.
    • Constructional apraxia: Difficulty copying or drawing designs.
• Not Due to Muscle Weakness:
  • Individuals with apraxia have normal muscle strength and coordination.

Causes of Apraxia:

• Stroke: Damage to the brain’s motor planning areas.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: Head injuries can disrupt motor pathways.
• Dementia: Progressive neurological conditions.
• Brain Tumors: Growths in the brain.

Impact on Senior Living:

Apraxia can create significant challenges for seniors in care communities:

• Loss of Independence: Difficulty with daily tasks can lead to increased reliance on caregivers.
• Safety Risks: Challenges with movement coordination can increase the risk of falls and accidents.
• Emotional Distress: Frustration and anxiety are common.
• Reduced Quality of Life: The inability to perform familiar tasks can impact self-esteem and well-being.

How to Support Seniors with Apraxia:

• Simplified Instructions:
  • Break down tasks into small, manageable steps.
  • Use clear and concise language.
  • Provide visual cues and demonstrations.
• Assistive Devices:
  • Use adaptive tools to simplify daily tasks.
  • Provide grab bars and other safety equipment.
• Consistent Routines:
  • Establish predictable routines to minimize confusion.
  • Create a calm and organized environment.
• Occupational Therapy:
  • Occupational therapists can develop personalized treatment plans to improve motor skills.
• Patience and Encouragement:
  • Offer support and reassurance.
  • Avoid rushing or criticizing.

The Misconception: Apraxia means “Clumsiness” or “Lack of Motivation.”

Here’s how we break it down:

• The Common Misunderstanding:
  • People often mistake apraxia for clumsiness or a lack of motivation.
• The Real Story: A Disrupted Dance of Learned Movements
  • Think of apraxia as a way to:
    • Show a brain-based movement disorder: It’s not a matter of physical ability, but neurological function.
    • Highlight the disconnect between intention and action: Individuals know what they want to do but can’t execute the movements.
    • Emphasize the need for specialized support: Caregivers need to adapt their approach to accommodate this condition.
    • It is about the brain’s planning, not the body’s ability.
    • It is about the movement sequence, not the motivation.
    • It is about the disconnect, and not just the difficulty.
• Why This is Powerful:
  • It shifts the perception from “clumsiness” to “neurological disorder.”
  • It emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying cause.
  • It highlights the need for specialized support and therapy.
• The “Get it Wrong” Factor:
  • People think it’s just clumsiness, but it’s a brain-based condition.
  • They think it’s lack of motivation, but it’s a movement planning problem.
  • They think it is only about physical difficulty, and not about the brains planning.

Resources for Apraxia:

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS):
  • Provides information on apraxia and other neurological disorders.
  • Link: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/
• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA):
  • Offers resources and information on occupational therapy for individuals with apraxia.
  • Link: https://www.aota.org/
• Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA):
  • Provides information and support for individuals with brain injuries and their families.
  • Link: https://www.biausa.org/
• Mayo Clinic:
  • Provides information on apraxia, including causes, symptoms, and treatments.
  • Link: https://www.mayoclinic.org/
• Your Local Area Agency on Aging (AAA):
  • They can provide local resources, and information regarding local programs to help with apraxia related issues.
  • Use the Eldercare Locator to find your local AAA.
  • Link: https://eldercare.acl.gov/

• Assisted Living Texas
• Glossary of Senior Living Terms
• Listings
• News
• Privacy Policy

« Back to Glossary Index