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Inability to use objects and perform tasks

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Overview Treatment

Inability to use objects and perform tasks

Definition:

A person with praxia cannot perform previously-learned tasks or movements even though the muscles and senses work properly.

Alternative Names:
Apraxia; Movements - inability to perform useful tasks

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Considerations:

Apraxia occurs in 3 major forms:

• Ideomotor apraxia. The affected person is no longer capable of voluntarily performing a learned task when given the necessary objects. For instance, if given a screwdriver, the person may try to write with it as if it were a pen. Or, given a toothbrush, the person might try to comb the hair with it.
• Ideational apraxia. The affected person can no longer carry out learned complex tasks in the proper order, such as putting on socks before putting on shoes. The individual cannot mime specific tasks without the objects, such as opening a letter, or pouring a glass of water.
• Apraxia-like syndrome. Strictly speaking, these disorders are not apraxia:
  • Lid-opening apraxia (difficulty in opening the eyelids)
  • Gait apraxia (difficulty in starting to walk)
  • Dressing apraxia (difficulty in buttoning a shirt or tying a shoelace)

Common Causes:

• Dementia
• Stroke
• Hemodialysis (prolonged)
• Neurodegenerative illness
• Brain tumor

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