What is ideational apraxia?

• A. Loss of ability to conceptualize, plan, and execute the complex sequences of motor actions involved in the use of tools or otherwise interacting with objects in everyday life
• B. Inability to speak
• C. Impaired perception of faces
• D. Loss of proprioception

Answer: (A)

Ideational apraxia is a higher-level motor planning deficit: the person cannot conceptualize and organize the sequence of actions required to use tools or interact with everyday objects. Even with intact strength and the ability to perform individual movements, they struggle to form the plan for a task or to choose and apply the correct sequence of actions. For instance, when asked to make tea, they may have trouble outlining the steps or may use items inappropriately, like trying to perform tasks with the wrong tool. This problem stems from disrupted conceptual knowledge about tool use, often with left parietal involvement. It’s distinct from language problems (inability to speak), perceptual problems (difficulty recognizing faces), or sensory problems (loss of proprioception).