Struggling to complete routine daily habits such as brushing teeth could be an early sign of dementia, according to neurologist Richard Restak.
Restak told HuffPost that difficulties with familiar household tasks can point to underlying disruptions in brain function.
The neurologist explained that doctors classify this form of motor impairment as apraxia. Under this condition, an individual remembers what household items are called, what they are used for, and how they function, but cannot carry out the correct sequence of physical movements.
For example, an affected person understands that they need to brush their teeth, but cannot work out how to squeeze toothpaste onto the brush and proceed with the activity.
Understanding apraxia and motor coordination
Restak emphasised that the underlying issue is neither ordinary forgetfulness nor physical muscle weakness. Instead, it stems from a breakdown in coordination between a person's thought processes and their physical actions.
The specialist stressed that experiencing this difficulty does not automatically indicate that a person has dementia. Other medical conditions can also cause coordination issues, meaning that anyone noticing these problems should seek a professional medical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis.
Apraxia is a recognised neurological condition in which damage to the brain interferes with the ability to plan and execute learned physical tasks. Although the muscles themselves remain strong and healthy, the brain struggles to send the correct sequence of commands to the body. This disruption makes multi-step personal care routines particularly challenging.
Memory loss and cognitive decline
Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of progressive neurological conditions that affect cognitive function, communication, and daily independence. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause, though conditions such as vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia also impair how the brain processes complex signals. Over time, neurodegenerative changes disrupt neural pathways, making multi-step actions harder to manage.
Restak's warnings follow earlier observations shared by neurologist Anastasia Frolova, who reported that a noticeable deterioration in short-term memory is another classic sign of dementia.
Frolova explained that while an individual might easily recall memories from long ago, they may find it difficult to register or remember new information in daily life.
Healthcare professionals advise that anyone who notices persistent lapses in short-term memory, difficulties with daily motor sequencing, or unexplained changes in basic routines should arrange an appointment with a doctor. Comprehensive medical tests can help identify whether symptoms stem from a progressive condition or treatable issues like vitamin deficiencies or medication side effects.
