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Decrease Selected Graphomotor Skills in Early Stages of Alzheimer's Dementia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 March 2020

E.J. Gorzelańczyk
Affiliation:
Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Department of Theoretical Biomedical Sciences and Medical Informatics, Bydgoszcz, Poland
K. Pasgreta
Affiliation:
Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Department of Theoretical Biomedical Sciences and Medical Informatics, Bydgoszcz, Poland
P. Walecki
Affiliation:
Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Kraków, Poland

Abstract

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Introduction

In the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) motor and cognitive dysfunctions has been observed.

Objectives

In previous studies we have shown that AD patients present abnormalities of selected graphomotor skills, but results were vary and not conclusive. In this study, we conducted more extensive tests on a larger study group.

Aims

The aim of the study is to identify which graphomotor functions are impaired in the early stages of AD.

Methods

Seventy-one patients with mild and moderate AD (F.00.0, F.00.1, F.00.2) (MMSE 20.3 ± 3.8; age 79.1 ± 5.21) were examined. Forty-four healthy ones (C) without symptoms of dementia, matched for demographic characteristics (MMSE 29 ± 1.1; age 78.3 ± 4.7) were examined. Graphomotor skills were assessed by the original drawing test (the eight figures and the signature) performed in a magnetic field (resolution 2540 dpi and 1024 pressure levels). These test were implemented on a graphic tablet (Wacom Intuos) with the specialized software. The length and time of drawing, the average and maximum speed of drawing, the average and maximum momentary speed, the amplitude and frequency (with FFT spectrum analysis) of hand tremors were measured.

Results

Statistical analysis of the graphomotor signal revealed differences between the AD group and the C group with respect to various parameters. The largest differences have been observed in partially automated skills such as signature, and not drawing shapes (lines, spiral, etc.). The average speed of signature and maximum momentary speed of signature is lower in the AD group.

Conclusions

This method allows for quantitative and objective measurement of the biophysical signal and assessment of the graphomotor skills.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Type
e-Poster viewing: Old age psychiatry
Copyright
Copyright © European Psychiatric Association 2017
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