Something Else You Didn't Want To Know

Understanding Apraxia: Definition, Types, Causes, and Treatments

My dementia vocabulary is expanding. My mind is begging for peace. My emotional level is telling me to just stop it.

But there is no stopping. Delving into the dementia discussion is never ending; it will never stop. There is no use kidding ourselves; dementia is the new reality for all of us. We may be the caregiver, the long-time friend, the closest relative, or the next-door neighbor. Or, we may be the dementia patient.

The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation has estimated that by the year 2050 there will be 150 million people with some form of dementia. That number is up from 57 million in 2019. So, my friends, that means there will be hoards of us who will be involved in some capacity.

So now, I’m investigating Apraxia and passing on to you what I’m learning.

My investigation into Apraxia will be spread over several blog posts, but, as of right now, I don’t know how many. I’m in new territory here, so I’m slowly working my way through. My goal is to understand the condition and its symptoms so I can explain it to those of you who, like me, don’t have MD after our names.

This first blog post will include a deeper understanding of the condition, and the video available below will cover the types of apraxia (Ideomotor apraxia, Ideational apraxia, and several other types).

Future posts in this series will include causes and risk factors, common conditions, signs and symptoms, challenges in daily living for the patient, and the impact on communication and social interaction. I’ll include additional information as I come across it.

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Here we go!

Apraxia is a neurological disorder where a person struggles to perform movements or tasks even though their muscles are strong, and their instructions are clear.

Imagine knowing exactly how to tie your shoes, but when you try, your hands don’t seem to follow through. This happens because the brain's instructions to the muscles get mixed up or lost along the way, making it hard to complete even familiar activities. It’s like having all the ingredients for a recipe but being unable to figure out the steps to cook the dish.

Click here for an excellent short video about Apraxia from the Careblazers web site.

Apraxia is seldom discussed and not many people understand it. However, it will make a big difference in interacting with dementia patients if it becomes part of the patient’s behavior. Here are some reasons you and I need to learn more about this disorder.

These first three reasons are really for the general population, but they also can make it easier for a caregiver to recognize the disorder and convey the information to a medical professional.

Improved Diagnosis and Treatment: When the general public understands

apraxia, individuals experiencing symptoms can be identified and diagnosed more quickly and accurately. Early diagnosis is key for implementing appropriate interventions and therapies to help manage the condition effectively.

Support and Advocacy: Increased awareness often leads to better support systems for individuals with apraxia and their families. It can also prompt advocacy efforts for policies and resources that address the needs of those affected by the condition, such as increased funding for research, specialized educational programs, and community support groups.

Reduced Stigma and Misunderstanding: Awareness fosters empathy and reduces stigma surrounding apraxia. People may be less likely to judge or ostracize individuals with apraxia when they understand that it is a neurological condition rather than a behavioral choice or a sign of incompetence.

These next two reasons will make life much more pleasant for the patient and every other individual who interacts with the patient.

Improved  Communication: Understanding apraxia can improve communication between individuals with the condition, their families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. When everyone involved understands the challenges associated with apraxia, they can work together to find effective communication strategies and support networks.

Enhanced Quality of Life: Ultimately, awareness of apraxia contributes to a better quality of life for individuals living with the condition. When they feel understood and supported by their communities, they are more likely to access the resources and assistance they need to thrive despite the challenges posed by apraxia.