What is apraxia?

Apraxia is a brain disorder in which a person cannot carry out tasks or movements when asked, even though they understand the request, are willing, and their muscles work. MedlinePlus says the person cannot put together the right order of movements, and is often aware of the mistake. It can affect speech, facial movements, everyday tasks such as dressing, or walking.

In dementia, apraxia is losing the ability to do familiar, learned tasks even though strength and understanding remain. MedlinePlus gives examples: putting on shoes before socks, being unable to button a shirt or tie a shoe, or trying to write with a screwdriver as if it were a pen. Dementia is one of the most common causes of this acquired apraxia.

Apraxia is caused by damage to the brain. MedlinePlus lists the most common causes of apraxia that develops in adults as stroke, dementia, other conditions that gradually damage the brain and nervous system, brain tumors, traumatic brain injury and hydrocephalus. Apraxia can also be present from birth, with an unknown cause. Anyone with new trouble doing everyday tasks should see a doctor.

Apraxia is managed with therapy rather than cured. MedlinePlus says occupational and speech therapists help people and caregivers learn ways to cope, and physical therapy can reduce falls in people with gait apraxia. At home, show the person how to do a task and give them time, avoid complex directions, keep things calm, and try simpler options, such as shoes with hook and loop closures.

Apraxia affects movement and aphasia affects language. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke defines apraxia as losing the ability to perform skilled movements and gestures, such as winking, licking the lips, or the steps of bathing or dressing. Aphasia is losing the ability to speak or understand speech. Both come from brain damage, and they often occur together.