ideational apraxia
Inability to carry out complex, sequential motor tasks due to impaired understanding of tool use and action sequences.
Full Definition
Ideational apraxia is a higher-order motor disorder characterized by the inability to perform complex, multi-step actions despite intact basic motor function and understanding of individual components. Patients lose the conceptual knowledge of how tools are used and cannot execute proper sequences of actions, such as making coffee or brushing teeth. This differs from ideomotor apraxia, where patients understand what to do but cannot execute the movements correctly. Ideational apraxia typically results from lesions in the dominant parietal lobe, particularly the angular gyrus and posterior superior temporal areas. It is commonly seen in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from ideomotor apraxia by testing complex sequential tasks versus simple gestures.
In Context
- "The patient demonstrated ideational apraxia when unable to sequence the steps for making tea." — Occupational therapy assessment
- "Testing revealed ideational apraxia with preserved single-step motor commands." — Neuropsychological evaluation