Sequence learning and multi-step activity impairment in Parkinson’s disease
Journal Title: Acta Neuropsychologica - Year 2011, Vol 9, Issue 3
Abstract
Apraxia is rarely diagnosed in movement disorders. However, basal ganglia dysfunction may also lead to praxic disturbances. Our study aimed at showing selective motor sequence learning and multiple-step activity impairment in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD) in the absence of other praxic disturbances. The study methodology was based on Luria’s classification of apraxia. Motor sequence learning, one-step vs. multiple-step activity, was assessed in 29 patients with IPD and 25 healthy controls against a background of global cognitive status (Mini-Mental State Examination), mood (Beck Depression Inventory), bradykinesia (Finger Tapping Test), motor impairment and disease severity (Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, Hoehn-Yahr staging) and other praxic dimensions according to Luria’s classification (clinical trials assessing spatial, afferent, and frontal apraxia).The patients exhibited selective impairment on multiple-step tasks and second motor sequence learning. First motor sequence learning, limb-kinetic praxis and one-step activities did not differentiate between the groups. Therefore, the deficit cannot be attributed to bradykinesia or other purely motor deficit. Selective impairment on multiple-step tasks and second-sequence learning may be due to deficient procedural memory. Sequence learning impairment is related to disease severity in IPD. Motor sequence learning and multiple-step activity impairment can be selectively impaired in IPD. The profile of praxic disturbances in IPD is consistent with the cognitive dysfunction observed in this disorder, namely procedural memory deficits.
Authors and Affiliations
Dariusz Wieczorek, Jarosław Sławek, Magdalena Białkowska, Artur Dziadkiewicz, Emilia Sitek
Keywords
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