Hand-motor function and cognition in aging, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia.

Wittingen, H.P. (2009) Hand-motor function and cognition in aging, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia. thesis, Human Movement Sciences.

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Abstract

Background: A positive effect of physical activity, e.g. walking on cognitive functioning is observed in older persons with and without dementia. Cognitive functioning is important for (Instrumental) Activities of Daily Life ((I)ADL). As also upper limb functioning has a positive relationship with (I)ADL, the question arises whether upper limb functioning, e.g. hand-motor functioning, has a relationship with cognitive functioning, and if so, with which aspects of cognitive functioning in older persons with and without dementia. Method: Hand-motor function was measured with Purdue Pegboard, Finger tapping and Grip strength test, measuring complex, fine and gross hand-motor function. Executive functions and memory were assessed using a wide scaled neuropsychological test battery. Results: Hand-motor function (gross, fine and complex) is significantly related to memory and executive functions. Hand-motor function differed significantly between normal aging and dementia, between normal aging and MCI concerning grip strength and between MCI and dementia concerning complex hand-motor function. Discussion: The relationship between hand-motor function and cognition in normal aging, MCI and dementia is supporting the idea that hand-motor function can be considered as higher level cognitive functioning. Diagnosing dementia by measuring hand-motor function and intervention studies measuring effects of hand-motor function training should provide more insights.

Item Type:	Thesis (Thesis)
Supervisor name:	Scherder, Prof E.J.A.
Faculty:	Medical Sciences
Date Deposited:	25 Jun 2020 11:04
Last Modified:	25 Jun 2020 11:04
URI:	https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/2360

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