what is apraxia

Apraxia is a neurological disorder that affects the brains ability to plan and execute skilled movements and gestures. It can manifest in various forms, such as apraxia of speech (AOS) and childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). The condition can be caused by damage to the brain, including traumatic brain injury, stroke, dementia, Alzheimers disease, brain tumor, or other neurodegenerative disorders. Apraxia can also occur in children, and its cause in such cases is unknown. The disorder is characterized by difficulty in performing purposeful movements, despite having the physical ability and desire to perform them. Treatment for apraxia may involve occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy, depending on the specific type and severity of the condition. Some individuals with apraxia show significant improvement with treatment, while others may show very little improvement. Research is ongoing to better understand apraxia and develop more effective treatments.