Simple Tasks Made Difficult: The Reality Of This Dementia Symptom

🔍 Dive deep into the misunderstood world of this symptom that affects over 50% of people with dementia: apraxia. In this informative video, we explore what apraxia is, why it's frequently overlooked, and how it impacts daily activities. Whether you're caring for a loved one or simply eager to learn more, this video is your go-to resource for understanding and managing apraxia in dementia.
✅ What You'll Learn:
- Defining Apraxia: Get to know the symptoms and implications of apraxia.
- Real-Life Challenges: See how apraxia affects everyday tasks through detailed examples.
- Effective Strategies: Discover proven tips and techniques to help manage apraxia symptoms.
📌 Why Watch?
Apraxia can complicate the simplest activities for those with dementia, making caregiving more challenging. This video provides essential knowledge and support to improve the quality of life for both caregivers and those experiencing apraxia.
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DISCLAIMER: The content of this video - or any content by Dementia Careblazers - does not replace the need for healthcare professionals. Our content is not healthcare advice and is not a substitute for your own healthcare. It is for general education and demonstration only. Do not use this content to self-diagnose or self-treat any health, medical, or physical condition. By consuming content from Dementia Careblazers, you agree to hold harmless and indemnify Dementia Careblazers LLC for any and all losses, injuries, or damages resulting from any and all claims that arise from your use or misuse of this content. All content or recommendations on the company’s website, social media, blog, or email series. All comments from Dementia Careblazers’ are expressions of opinion only.
In case you haven’t met me, my name is Natali Edmonds and I am a board certified geropsychologist. That means that I am a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with older adults. One day, while hiking a trail, I came up with the idea for Careblazers and I decided to see if posting videos online could provide help to the many other Careblazers in the world who don’t get to have help come directly to them in their homes. I hope that this work helps you in some way on your caregiving journey.
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[@elizabethdodd7757]

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[@patsybehm3759]

My husband has both types of apraxia. And now he literally has difficulty with doing anything. Thankfully he can open his mouth to eat and suck on a straw to drink and sceems to enjoy it very much eating 100% of everything I feed him. He also enjoys watching TV and laughs at Everybody Loves Raymond. He likes old movies. Right now he is watching Perfect Storm and has tears running down his cheeks. Very sensitive. He also knows what love is still giving me kisses. I tell him things like, I think he's an angel...and that he smells like cookies, and if I had legs like that I'd wear a mini skirt and if I had a belly button like that, I'd wear a bikini. He laughs and is so full of grace. I'm so thankful for that and that he is home with me.❤

[@shellz8775]

Sounds like you both are making the very best out of what you have. God bless you both as you live, laugh and love!❤ Thank you for sharing.

[@patsybehm3759]

@@shellz8775 God bless you too Shellz. When my husband was in a care center he got a bladder infection that went septic. He nearly died. A doctor asked me if I wanted her to treat him because he had little quality of life. I told her yes, treat him...a baby is totally dependent on you but that doesn't mean there is no quality of life. I was shocked that she asked me before giving him antibiotics. Soon after that, I brought him home to live. So glad I did. That was 9 months ago and hospice wants to graduate him because he is doing so good. Every day is a gift. We'll have been married 48 years in September. I was 14 the first time I kissed him. Even in this condition, he's super hero.💟

[@anne-marieriamitchell1140]

Oh sweet one I’m so sorry xxx

[@anne-marieriamitchell1140]

So when my mum with dementia suddenly just can’t walk that’s apraxia? I do belong to your course as some days mum can and other times it takes me and my husband to latterly move her feet to get mum to the commode

[@anne-marieriamitchell1140]

That makes sense as mum can’t cope with moving and being told to hold frame feel the chair with your legs but it’s to much for mum we think it’s to much information? While trying to move

[@jacobmiller9345]

I think caregivers need support from people around them. Caregiving is much harder when you feel alone in the thankless, sometimes emotionally difficult tasks of caring for somebody; who may not reciprocate appreciation or kindness

[@prooveitpickle3094]

I was a locked ward dementia nurse for 2 decades, then became the full time caregiver for my mother when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. These videos are such good reminders of why I do many of the things I do with and for my mother even when I don’t realize what I am doing. Thank you for putting the actions into easy to understand caregiver tips! You are amazing!

[@prooveitpickle3094]

Just realized that I made this comment under my son’s profile 😳

[@susanpolk4528]

Oh yes on both counts. It's so variable. Example, my husband always made the morning coffee. The coffee began to be intermittently terrible due to his not remembering the process. Eventually he forgot how to do it altogether. Another example, he couldn't turn off the shower. I never knew when this would happen. He did not necessarily come tell me or call me to help.

[@kayokolindenberger3754]

In retrospect, my mom demonstrated both types of apraxia but when I kept bringing up my observations to her primary care or ER doctors they all said it was her age (she was 90 at the time). I wish that primary care doctors had better training to recognize mild cognitive impairment as a possible sign of dementia instead of just shrugging it off as normal old age.

[@daizeofgrace]

My husband is showing signs of both. He was just diagnosed last yr with diffused brain atrophy in all but one temporal lobe. There’s so much we just don’t know when we are the spouse/caregiver and it makes it very challenging. Every tip you share is helpful. Thank you.

[@mariemoliner9406]

I am gobsmacked that in year 10 of my loved one's diagnosis, I am just today -- thanks to your video Dr. N. -- learning about APRAXIA! Omg. I had no idea there was a term of art to describe the both the ideomotor and ideational apraxia he has demonstrated from the beginning AND which is becoming more of a daily challenge. Thank you.

[@jericantrell6793]

We've been doing this five years and never heard of these conditions either. They addressed aphasia but not apraxia! So helpful to have this information and clarifies so much! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@AmandaSteyl]

THANK YOU for sharing this! In less than 5 minutes you have connected the dots and made things so much clearer for us to understand our loved one with dementia and what is going on! It is a little bit concerning that it's taken years of medical appointments here in Canada to receive very minimal answers and explanations, and yet in 5 minutes you've already explained so much. Thank you so much for the work you do!

[@DementiaCareblazers]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@robinbliss6513]

I’m interested in the rest of the types of apraxia as well. Please extend this series! Both my parents are on the path of dementia, but they are traveling at different speeds down different trails. All of these tips are helpful in different ways. Thank you.

[@OpinionTREIded]

THANK YOU So much for your work. I am a caregiver for my cousin and these videos have assisted me so much as this is my first experience with full time caregiving, as well as dementia. The jacket example definitely hit home as she does the exact same action of holding ot and trying to figure out how to put it on properly. It happens with her shirts as well that if left alone she will normally put them on backwards or inside out. I will definitely start to rephrase my requests to see if that changes or helps anything. Unfortunately i dont have much say past her eveyday care so im not sure that telling her poa will make it to the physician. Thank you again gor all you do, it dors make a huge difference!❤️

[@dianemuckleston7527]

My husband has both types of apraxia. The cognitive neurologist explained it briefly but I understand it so much more now. Thank you.

[@DementiaCareblazers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tracysingh8469]

My Mum says she can’t read anymore, has trouble knowing if the washing is dry or wet, can’t regulate water temperature & is fixated on food & money. Physically she is good for 80 yrs! Do you think any of the Apraxia’s relate to this please? Appreciate your content very helpful

[@donnapavlovsky9923]

This one hits home. My husband has displayed this action and this so helps me understand why this is happening.

[@sandraspates4859]

My husband has displayed both types of apraxia. He often has problems remembering how to feed himself, dress, etc. When prompted, he will brush his teeth, and assist in dressing. He often asks, what is this when presented with simple things, like his t-shirt, pants, etc.

[@amymasi9110]

This was very informative. I think my mom (already diagnosed with dementia) is experiencing ideation apraxia. She is frequently lost in an infinite loop of steps for multistep activities with the result that the multistep activity never gets completed. If I’m there with her she will try to compensate by explaining each step to me, but can’t quite get to the execution part, or gets lost in the details of the step. She tried to take a shower the other day, but got lost in explaining her bathrobe, and how that worked, how the light in the bathroom worked, how shampoo worked and how it wouldn’t work with the body wash, how they were different, how a washcloth was used, and after 30 minutes of this, have her go in and out of the bathroom, have the water running the whole time, she decided she would wait. Every activity is needlessly complex. Making coffee is quite a chore for her but she can still manage it on occasion.

[@tbarkey8681]

❤ thank you for your work! Yes 😢 why don't care facilities communicate this

[@tammyjolambeth9774]

Thank you. Yes, I see this in my mom, intermittently.

[@tammiepulley7167]

Your tips are helping me so much. Thanks for all of your work on your videos.

[@sandraparrish5760]

I love dr Nat. She has got me through tough times while caring for my dad, now I'm doing the same for mum. I shall continue to take her advice. Cheers and thanks.

[@ednatropicales9334]

Thank you so much, Dr. Natalie for your video. It's only now I realized my Mom with Dementia might have apraxia. God bless you for the things you do.

[@lucystraite325]

Thank you, I have been struggling with this with my husband

[@beverlywilson3752]

Excellent demonstration of apraxia!!!

[@maripatmcnamara3513]

I believe my husband has both types of Apraxia. He needs help doing most things. He did put his socks on the other day though.

[@patsybehm3759]

My husband asked me how many feet he had. It must be so confusing for them. First he couldn't put his lawn mower back together after dropping the deck to clean. Then he couldn't balance his check book. Then he couldn't understand a calendar. Then he couldn't work the TV remote or his phone. Then he couldn't write his name. He was a Lieutenant Colonel on the State patrol and knew every road in the state. He was in charge of 750 people. When he retired from that he was the state crime commissioner for 8 years. He is in the law enforcement hall of Fame. I'm so sorry he has to go through this but so glad I lived to take care of him. I have breast cancer and thank God for every day.

[@gloriaLong-nu9rp]

Thank you for this information. My husband is 82 yrs. old I am his sole caregiver. It can be so frustrating explaining to him how to do this and that but I do realize he cannot help it. He as all the signs of Apraxia, the jacket for one, he always wants to help me with things but he is not able to , even the simplest of tasks like I asked him to take the returnable bottles and cans out of a shopping bag and to put them into a larger bag, he really had a problem just doing that I wound up helping him. The tv is on always but he is unable to follow story lines. He does enjoy Everybody loves Raymond and will laugh at them. I am fortunate in that he is a very sensitive caring person and tells me throughout the day how much he loves me and how grateful he is for helping him. He does have a fear of losing me which I completely understand.

[@bonnierasmussen778]

Gloria, your experience with your husband is nearly exactly what I am experiencing with mine, complete with his age. I find that I now have to shower WITH my husband each morning because he doesn't know the steps and would just stand there and run the water until the hot water ran out . I shampoo him and wash his face because he can't figure out how to do it. Once he gets started I can remind him of the next steps. This video really hit home.

[@patsybehm3759]

God bless you both Gloria and Bonnie! As you may have read my post, I'm right there with you. My husband is only 71 and bed ridden now. I love him so much and grateful I can care for him.

[@laurielenig9939]

Blessings upon you Gloria💖

[@TheJandlea]

As an OT and a caregiver I sometimes struggle with diffentiating these two. I understood ideational as using the wrong tool. I observed a resident brush her hair with her fork, waiting for lunch.

[@EmmaSmith-nn1ui]

My father had huge trouble managing easy stepped tasks even though he wanted to do something. . He also still believed he could do everything. So, volition without agency, and anosognosia. He wanted to do things but couldn't and had no idea of his limits. It was difficult to watch his distress and not be able to help. We never got impatient and used distraction where we could, but always felt like we were useless.

[@almacooper621]

Great information. I will implement when caring for mom.

[@sabrinamonaghan6745]

Thanks so much for all your help Dr Nat lol from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@pattitibble]

Great video! I wondered if his inability to complete a task is impairment of memory or apraxia. Maybe you could tell us how to differentiate that. And really does it matter?

[@shelleyl6248]

My parent has both types of apraxia mentioned. She has had severe issues unrolling her fork and knife. She immediately tried to pull the fork without loosening the paper band. Getting dressed is also a huge frustration to her, with shirts, underclothes, pants, shoes, and socks. She wants to do it herself, so dressing can take an hour. The sequence is off, as is how exactly to put on each garment.

[@lucysmusic450]

My husband often puts his clothes on inside out or back to front and has trouble trying to undress He also has trouble in the shower he doesn’t know how to wash his hair. I have to tell him which goes first the shampoo and then the conditioner Thank you for your videos, they explain a lot of things that nobody tells you about 🥰

[@JoyKelly-ey3xt]

I am glad to know the name of my husband's condition. I believe he has both of these types of apraxia, if that is even possible. The jacket video could have been of my husband.

[@ssutherland9019]

My hubby probably has some MCI, when he is tired then I recognise some of the ideomotor apracia. For example, getting totally confused while putting on a jacket, esp if it is not hanging up ready. Very interesting to understand this is a diagnosis in itself. Your videos are really helpful.

[@karinberryman2009]

I needed this

[@MispelledOnPurpose]

Mine is beyond most of this now. Now focusing on being able to eat puree, walk a little, and speak a little. We're in the final weeks before hospice I think.

[@susan9522]

Excellent video, especially the example videos. My mom has difficulty taking her pills, putting on her robe and standing up so I can pull up her underwear. She will say, “okay baby,” 10 times but not take action to accomplish the task. So frustrating. This video helps me to understand. Thank you so much.

[@jenniferwhitley4872]

Oh my Mom will do that and say ok but not action. I feel your pain, and theirs. 😢

[@goldenfire5]

Yup, it is the same for my Mom as well.

[@anne-marieriamitchell1140]

This is heartbreaking such a cruel illness

[@barbarawolf8666]

My husband has both with complication of last stage macular degeneration. I have to walk thru abt everything he does. When I ask him to put on sweat pants , he tries to put it on his arms.

[@jeffruggles8571]

Mother in law has both in some ways. Somethings she can do certain things and other things she cannot.

[@quinnitaj4653]

I do love these videos. My mother has Alzheimers and well some of the things she does can be confusing. The most one is saying about going home. She has lived in the same place for 35+ yrs.. Yes she doesn't believe me 😢❤❤

[@edewest5036]

Yes my husband has both..early onset alz for 10 years.

[@brendaelliott2654]

My for got to use a s straw how can help him to do tha

[@rachelm8982]

I am so grateful for your help. Is it possible a person with dementia and Alzheimer's can have both?

[@sparksandchips]

Wow both of those look familiar! My dad struggles with the jacket too but a large contributor is macular degeneration in both eyes to the left. With jacket the same color inside and outside it all looks the same to him and can’t see the tag inside to get orientation. Thanks

[@tammyringler300]

My dad Definetly has apraxia of both types😞

[@pattitibble]

Does apraxia start out minor and Increase in severity over the stages???

[@patrickmolloy2122]

What does cannabis use do to dementia? Obsessive smoking‼️

[@josepholander4344]

I am the caregiver for my wife & I can see some sign of Apraxia with her. She is now having a hard time with written dates exp 5-6-24 @ 9:45. She doesn't know that 5 is May. She is also having problems with written instructions. Is this a certain type of Dementia?

[@meldchislett8588]

My wife sadly exhibits signs of level 6 and 7 dementia. Following a sucessful hip surgery a year ago this past October, that coincided with the last day my wife could actually walk on her own. As mentioned, the hip surgery was a sucess and my wife certainly has the leg muscle strength to walk...she is an excellent paddler in her wheelchair. Could this be a symptom of aspharia or a brain/leg muscle disconnect? Could the anesthetic have affected her knowing how to walk? If only my wife could stand on her own even without walking, that would be such a blessing. Any comments you can make Dr Natalie would be so welcome. Thank you.

[@user-os8lp5fe2m]

9:51 mum has difficulty thinking through how to get up and out of / into bed or a chair. Another thing she does is remove and replace blankets on the bed. So that ot can take a ling time until she is ready for bed.

[@roxansnyder3226]

My wife had this happen. I asked her to turn on the oven and she kept turning on the stove but knew that wasn't right. After she did this twice I told her not the stove but on the back of the stove it says bake push that button then hit 450 and she is like ok I got it now. When I got to the stove to check it, it was a different bake but I quickly turned it off and did it the way I needed it. So now I understand from veideo why sometimes she is forgetting how to do something she use to do easy

[@evelynhaag9584]

My husband has both. I wish I knew about this earlier. I assumed it was part of his FTD dementia progressing. When I brush his teeth he seems to not understand when I ask him to spit out the toothpaste with water into a container. I now just brush his teeth with water only so he does not have to spit. My husband is also completeLy nonverbal.

[@constance4065]

Yes I think my Mother has Apraxia

[@annafilban2859]

My grandma has trouble going to the breakfast table in the morning but she's also stubborn meaning she gets it stuck in her head that we're disrespecting her so she locks down. She has both apraxia and she takes this stubborn detour in the process, its like a hamster wheel. Nothing we say changes her mind. Getting her out of bed and to the table can take several hours.

[@ThomasMarcotte-jt9od]

Natali, what do you make of this symptom? Patient moves thumb and index finger of right hand while talking, as if operating a hand puppet. This is a new symptom coincident with other issues.

[@danbruce2446]

My wife is an artist and graphic designer. She is no longer able to do an oil painting. She seems unable to mentally look at a picture and interpret it and paint it on a canvas. Is this Apraxia?

[@privateconfidential4775]

So no cure it doesn’t get better for my father just gets worse and we give up on cure :( seek validation

[@hdcrow]

Oh yes, have both going on. Cant do toast, wants to butter it first. Pulls pants down to void, but pulls them up before sitting on toilet. Really has to work at taking a pill then a drink of water. I watch the hand go back and forth between pill and water trying to figure out what to do first. She is like My Son John , one sock off one sock on. What's there today is gone tomorrow.

[@MarySmith-ry9cu]

Maybe my husband has the ideational one... he's starting to not help when I'm trying to take his zip up sweatshirt off him. I have to say pull your arm out and then it takes a few seconds for him to do it. He just keeps his arm straight not bending at the elbow...

[@rhondawoodfine1465]

What's the difference between Apraxia and Lewy Body?

[@DementiaCareblazers]

Thanks for your question. Apraxia is a motor planning disorder, while Lewy body dementia is a broader syndrome that affects cognitive function, alertness, visual perception, and motor control due to specific protein deposits in the brain. Both can appear in the context of broader neurodegenerative issues but are fundamentally different in their underlying mechanisms and symptoms. Here is a video you may find helpful about Lewy Body Dementia: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJnKfJufjKdrlZo

[@phillipstallter9018]

My wife will hold her patents in front of her in both hands and shake them. She will do this for 15 minutes and say I can’t get them on. If I break it down for her she can do it. Sit down, put your right leg in, all the way through so you can see your foot, now the left one, stand up, now pull them up, all the way…. She will put on her shoes the try to put on pants. Sometimes get just one sleeve in the shirt and think she is dressed.

[@bradleyfarman4965]

I'm pretty sure my wife has Apraxia.

[@janetstarnes3405]

❤️🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@somewhereinthemidwest9827]

Is this what Bruce Willis has?

[@stanleybaehman7214]

I’m caring for my 84 year old wife. Tough job for a man🥸

[@laurielenig9939]

Yes Stanley it is💖 My husband nursed me thru a pseudo-aneurysm in 2016. I would be dead were it not for him💗