Dontje, M.L. (Manon) (2008) Hand motor function and cognition in normal aging, Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's disease. thesis, Human Movement Sciences.
![[img]](https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/style/images/fileicons/text.png) |
Text
Dontje.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (18MB) |
Abstract
Introduction. The total number of elderly is growing rapidly. Older people have an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In AD is memory affected, but other cognitive domains and motor function as well. The motor function of the upper extremity and especially the hand is important to explore, since it is related to activities of daily living (ADL), independent functioning, the quality of life and even mortality. Hand motor function changes with age and disturbances in hand motor function are also found in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer disease (AD), possibly with increasing rate. It might be possible that when cognition declines, hand motor function decreases as well. Aim. The goal of the present study is to assess the differences in hand motor function between healthy elderly, MCI and AD patients, and to investigate the relation between hand motor function and specific cognitive function. Methods. In the present study 40 subjects participated (mean age 84 ± 6 years), of which 13 were classified as control, 14 as MCI patients and 13 as AD patients. Cognitive functions were measured with a neuropsychological test battery. Further, hand motor function was measured using a handheld dynamometer, the finger tapping test and the Purdue Pegboard. Results. The most differences in cognition were found between the control group and the AD group. Healthy elderly, MCI and AD patients differed significantly in hand motor function, especially in fine hand motor function. Again, most striking differences were between the control group and the AD group. No significant relations were found between hand motor function and specific cognitive function in the control group. In the MCI group and AD group were several relations found, but the only relation that these both groups had in common was between the assembly condition of the Purdue Pegboard and Word fluency (animals). Conclusion. Hand motor function differs between healthy elderly, MCI patients and AD patients, especially fine hand motor function. Fine hand motor function is related to specific cognitive functioning in MCI and AD patients. Fine hand motor function with high task complexity might be most promising to differentiate between healthy elderly, MCI patients and AD patients .
| Item Type: | Thesis (Thesis) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Scherder, Prof. Dr. E.J.A. |
| Faculty: | Medical Sciences |
| Date Deposited: | 25 Jun 2020 11:00 |
| Last Modified: | 25 Jun 2020 11:00 |
| URI: | https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/2076 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |