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Researchers have submitted a patent application for an interactive tool designed to assist children with childhood apraxia of speech. The tool includes features such as providing progress updates, receiving recommendations for speech services, and guiding users through the development of individual educational plans. This tool aims to streamline access to relevant information and support for children with neurological motor planning disorders. The patent application was filed by Apraxia Kids and is currently under review by the US Patent and Trademark Office. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from Command Hospital in Haryana, India, explores congenital ocular motor apraxia (COMA), a rare disorder affecting voluntary eye movements. The study highlights two cases of COMA, one involving a 14-year-old male with vision issues and esotropia, and another involving a 9-year-old male with acute lymphocytic leukemia and agenesis of the corpus callosum. Both cases showed abnormal saccadic initiation for horizontal gaze, which improved with treatment. This research provides valuable insights into the diagnosis and management of COMA. [Extracted from the article]

Recent studies from the University of Tubingen have provided new data on apraxias, specifically focusing on the neural dissociation between finger and hand imitation skills in patients with limb apraxia following a stroke. The research conducted frequentist and Bayesian analyses on a sample of 96 patients, revealing a cortical dissociation between finger and hand imitation deficits. The study concluded that analyzing patients with shared and isolated imitation deficits together can lead to biased results, potentially explaining why previous studies failed to detect this neural dissociation. For more information, the full article can be accessed for free at https://doi.org/10.1162/imag_a_00342. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, explored the use of automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems in diagnosing and monitoring primary progressive apraxia of speech (PPAOS). The research found that ASR systems can differentiate between healthy speech and PPAOS, correlate with the severity of apraxia, but are unable to distinguish between different subtypes of PPAOS. While ASR may be a useful tool in transcribing speech for PPAOS, the study emphasizes the need to consider its limitations. This peer-reviewed research provides valuable insights into the potential applications of ASR in speech pathology. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted in Genoa, Italy, focused on childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), a genetically heterogeneous pediatric motor speech disorder. The research aimed to identify new pathogenic gene variants associated with CAS and refine the clinical and neurodevelopmental characterization of affected children. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed in a cohort of 69 Italian children, revealing high-confidence (HC) gene variants in some probands, confirming the involvement of these genes in speech impairment. The study concluded that there was a relatively high diagnostic yield in Italian patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from Case Western Reserve University explores the genetic factors contributing to childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and other speech sound disorders (SSD). The research suggests that copy number variants (CNVs) play a significant role in the etiology of CAS, with 17 genomic regions and 19 unique CNVs identified in 27 families. The findings indicate that CNVs are a prevalent cause of CAS, with four CNVs showing substantial functional consequences. This research sheds light on the genetic basis of CAS and highlights the importance of CNVs in speech disorders. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Toronto examined the effectiveness of the Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol (K-SLP) for children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and comorbidities when delivered in a dyadic and group format. The study involved six participants, with four out of five showing significant improvements in speech intelligibility and functional outcomes immediately after treatment, and this improvement was maintained at the 3-4 month follow-up. The research provides preliminary support for the positive outcomes of K-SLP for children with CAS and comorbidities, replicating earlier findings in the field of speech pathology. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, has identified a case of primary progressive apraxia of speech (PPAOS) associated with TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) instead of 4-repeat tau. The patient was diagnosed with apraxia of speech during the initial visit, and subsequent assessments revealed agrammatic aphasia and motor symptoms consistent with corticobasal syndrome. Neuroimaging showed hypometabolism in specific brain regions, and a sequence variation in the progranulin gene was identified. The study highlights the unusual neuropathophysiology of PPAOS and the potential role of TDP-43 in its development. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Seville in Spain has identified a new variant in the COX18 gene that causes a severe sensory-motor neuropathy with oculofacial apraxia. The patient in the study presented with progressive muscle weakness, oculofacial apraxia, and dysarthric speech. The researchers found that the variant affected the splicing donor site of the COX18 gene, leading to a decrease in cytochrome-c oxidase (COX) activity. This case expands our understanding of the phenotypes associated with COX18 variants and highlights the pathogenic role of COX18 in encephaloneuropathy syndrome. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in Italy discusses a case of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as the first manifestation of Ataxia with Oculomotor Apraxia type 2 (AOA2) due to a novel mutation of the SETX gene. A 19-year-old man presented with progressive gait ataxia, bilateral horizontal gaze-evoked nystagmus, and appendicular ataxia, along with intrusive and obsessive thoughts. Further examination revealed cerebellar atrophy and axonal sensory-motor polyneuropathy. Whole-exome sequencing identified a likely pathogenic variant in the SETX gene. This case expands the understanding of AOA2 and highlights the need for psychiatric assessment in neurologic patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the University of Surrey has found that Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), can have a significant impact on the mathematical performance of adults. DCD is a neurodevelopmental movement condition that affects approximately 5% of the population and is characterized by difficulties with motor coordination. The research revealed that adults with DCD demonstrated lower working memory and math performance, as well as higher levels of math anxiety compared to adults without DCD. The study suggests that adults with DCD may rely more heavily on working memory for even simple arithmetic tasks, which can result in slower and less accurate answers. The findings highlight the need for tailored educational approaches to support individuals with DCD in developing strong numeracy skills. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from researchers at the Faculty of Social Work in Wolfenbuttel, Germany, explores the persistence and treatment of dressing impairment in patients following severe cerebrovascular accidents. The study followed 23 patients who were completely dependent on others for dressing assistance for two weeks, and found that less than one-third showed improvement. A randomized controlled trial of 24 patients examined the effects of errorless learning and assistive technology on dressing ability, but found no specific effect. The researchers suggest that future studies should include additional intervention sessions and treatments for neglect or apraxia. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Messina, Italy, explored the effects of virtual reality (VR) rehabilitation training on post-stroke executive and praxis skills, as well as depression symptoms. The study found that VR training resulted in significant improvements in praxis skills and behavioral functioning in stroke patients. The experimental group that received VR training showed greater enhancements in cognitive function, reductions in apraxia symptoms, and improvements in depression symptoms compared to the control group. These findings suggest that VR could be a promising tool for reducing cognitive and motor impairments caused by stroke. [Extracted from the article]

A recent article from the University of Sydney discusses the research priorities for childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). The article highlights the significant advancements in understanding the biology, diagnosis, and treatment of CAS over the past 15 years. The research identifies four primary areas of need in CAS research, including the types of questions to ask, the inclusion of diverse populations in research, the methods of conducting research, and the translation of research into practice. The article aims to provide an updated view of the progress in CAS research and the most pressing needs for future research. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil explored the cognitive disorder known as ideomotor apraxia. This disorder is typically caused by brain lesions resulting from strokes or tumors. The study analyzed data from 115 chronic stroke patients and used lesion-symptom mapping to identify the brain regions associated with difficulties in different types of actions. The findings revealed that specific brain regions were linked to different types of action deficits. The researchers also discussed the implications of their findings for understanding neuroplasticity and cortical reorganization in chronic stroke patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital in Piacenza, Italy, focused on Gaucher's disease, a rare lysosomal storage disorder. The study examined a 4-year-old boy with Gaucher disease type 3 who presented with splenomegaly and oculomotor apraxia. The researchers emphasized the importance of early intervention in managing Gaucher's disease, as it can significantly modify disease progression and prevent irreversible complications. While enzyme replacement therapy has proven effective in improving systemic symptoms, it does not alleviate neurological complications. The study highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach involving various medical professionals in Gaucher disease management. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at San Diego State University focused on a case of suspected Childhood Apraxia of Sign (CASign) in a 4-year-old deaf child named Zoe. The researchers found that Zoe's sign articulation errors in American Sign Language were similar to those observed in hearing children with childhood apraxia of speech. These errors included inconsistency, substitution of complex handshapes for simple ones, errors on both common and less common forms, articulatory distortions, and "groping" behaviors. The study suggests that Zoe's pattern of sign errors may indicate an underlying deficit in motor planning and/or programming, potentially making her the first reported case of CASign. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses new findings on Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia, and highlights the impact it has on children's motor skills and daily activities. Topics discussed include the creation of a research repository by the DCD-UK committee, the development of guidelines for making research more accessible, and the ongoing challenges in raising awareness about DCD.

A preprint abstract from biorxiv.org discusses childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) as an impairment of the central motor system's ability to program speech movements accurately. The study used magnetoencephalography to measure brain activity in typically developing children and children with CAS during a speech task. The results showed abnormal speech-related responses in the mu-band motor rhythm in children with CAS, suggesting a brain origin of this speech rhythm in the left cerebral hemisphere. This research provides a potential mechanism for the core features of CAS and supports the role of motor cortices in speech coordination. However, it is important to note that this preprint has not been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from the Mayo Clinic provides insights into progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a neurodegenerative tauopathy with diverse clinical syndromes. The researchers used cross-sectional MRI and FDG-PET scans to identify patterns of brain atrophy and hypometabolism in PSP patients. These patterns were then used to predict specific clinical features and assess their relationship to phenotypic heterogeneity. The study found that MRI predictions were more robust and generalized better to the test set, and that PSP leads to neurodegeneration in motor, cognitive, and ocular motor networks. The researchers emphasize the importance of data-driven approaches to clinical neuroimaging analyses in understanding the heterogeneity of PSP. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, explored the phenomenon of yes-no reversal in patients with primary progressive apraxia of speech (PPAOS). Yes-no reversal refers to the unintentional response of saying "yes" when meaning "no" and vice versa, both verbally and through gestures. The study found that patients with yes-no reversal had lower scores on cognitive assessments and showed greater hypometabolism in certain brain areas associated with response inhibition. These findings suggest that yes-no reversal is linked to impaired response inhibition and cognitive abilities supported by the frontostriatal network. The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States. [Extracted from the article]

A study analyzed data from 51 individuals who had experienced a left hemisphere cerebrovascular accident (LCVA) to determine the factors that contribute to naturalistic action impairments. The study found that these impairments are predicted by deficits in praxis (hand posture sequencing and gesture recognition), attention allocation and control (orienting and dividing attention), language comprehension ability, and age. Lesions in specific brain regions, such as the posterior middle temporal gyrus and anterior inferior parietal lobule, were also associated with naturalistic action impairments. These findings suggest that naturalistic action impairments in LCVA are a result of both apraxia and deficits in attention allocation and control. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Hong Kong Polytechnic University examined the fundamental frequency (F0) changes within syllables and the effects of syllable structure, lexical status, and syllable positions on F0 in Cantonese-speaking preschool children with and without childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). The study found that children with CAS had difficulty in varying F0 within syllables compared to those without CAS, indicating pitch variation difficulty and language-specific impairment profiles in CAS. The researchers suggest further investigations using objective measures to identify Cantonese speakers with CAS and cross-linguistic investigations using growth curve analysis and the tone sequencing task (TST). [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a study that presents a neurocomputational account of limb apraxia within the visuomotor system using the active inference framework. The study proposes that the brain encodes a generative model of sensory observations and continually reduces surprise associated with these observations. The researchers suggest that apraxia arises from incorrect parameterizations of the generative model. The study offers a novel hypothesis about the neurocomputational basis of apraxia and provides a quantitative approach to aid clinical research. However, it is important to note that this preprint has not been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Malaysia Sabah has provided new insights into Alien Hand Syndrome (AHS), a rare neurological phenomenon. The study focused on a unique case of Callosal Disconnection Syndrome (CDS) that manifested as a combination of frontal, callosal, and posterior AHS. The patient exhibited various clinical features from each variant, including grasping, groping, intermanual conflict, arm levitation, and hemisensory loss. Rehabilitation interventions, such as mirror box therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, were employed and resulted in significant improvement. The study highlights the need for further research to understand the neural connections and functions of the corpus callosum, as well as the development of standardized assessment tools and effective management strategies for AHS and CDS. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Lille, France, explored the use of a mobile health app in the early detection of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in children and the prevention of postnatal depression (PND). The study involved 50,000 young parents who regularly used the app and completed questionnaires assessing their child's neurodevelopmental skills. The app provided in-app recommendations for medical consultations when certain criteria were met. The study found that the app was effective in detecting NDDs at an early age and led to a potential 31% reduction in PND incidence. The research highlights the importance of early intervention in NDDs and PND. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Mayo Clinic have conducted a study on progressive apraxia of speech (PAOS), a neurodegenerative condition characterized by difficulties with motor speech planning. The study aimed to assess the uptake of flortaucipir, a marker of tau protein, across white matter tracts related to speech and language difficulties in PAOS. The findings showed increased flortaucipir uptake in these tracts, indicating their involvement in the condition. This research provides valuable insights into the neurobiology of PAOS and may contribute to the development of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report discusses research on apraxias, specifically primary progressive apraxia of speech (PPAOS), which is a neurodegenerative syndrome characterized by difficulties in speech production. The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of LSVT LOUD(R) therapy as a treatment for phonatory control in patients with PPAOS. Three patients received the therapy, and improvements in voice quality, intensity, and control were observed. The study suggests that LSVT LOUD(R) could be a feasible treatment option for some patients with PPAOS. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Verona in Italy has developed a descriptive and prescriptive model for the assessment and diagnosis of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). CAS is a complex condition that presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The study analyzed a wide range of research and identified key clusters and categories related to CAS, such as speech characteristics, neurobiological markers, and cultural and linguistic considerations. The model aims to provide clinicians with a structured approach to understanding and treating CAS, taking into account the diverse backgrounds of children with the condition. The study emphasizes the need for evidence-based personalized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each child. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Hong Kong Polytechnic University focused on apraxias, specifically in Cantonese speakers with apraxia of speech after a stroke. The study aimed to examine the pitch variation skills of Cantonese adults with apraxia of speech post-stroke in terms of tone accuracy, acoustic fundamental frequency changes, and repetition durations. The results showed that the group with apraxia of speech produced lower tone accuracy, different fundamental frequency changes, and longer repetition durations compared to the control groups. The researchers suggest further investigations to determine if degraded pitch variation skills are present in other tonal language speakers with apraxia of speech. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Temple University provides an overview of the current evidence base for the treatment of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). The review examines various treatment approaches and identifies gaps in the literature, such as limited research on predictors of treatment response and the scope of populations and outcomes studied. While there is growing evidence supporting the efficacy of several treatments for CAS, further research is needed to address these gaps and optimize treatment approaches. The report offers suggestions for future research and emphasizes the importance of sustained attention to this area of study. [Extracted from the article]

A researcher from Hofstra University has released new data on apraxias, specifically childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). The researcher developed a goal-writing framework for motor-based intervention for CAS, which aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of treatment for children with this condition. The framework includes behaviors, conditions, and approaches to goal measurement tailored to the clinical needs of children with CAS. The research emphasizes the need for a specialized approach to intervention for children with CAS and provides resources to guide treatment planning and optimize treatment outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Malaysia Sabah provides new insights into Alien Hand Syndrome (AHS), a rare neurological phenomenon. The study focuses on a unique case of Callosal Disconnection Syndrome (CDS) that resulted in a combination of clinical features from all three variants of AHS. The patient exhibited symptoms such as grasping, groping, intermanual conflict, arm levitation, and cognitive impairment. Rehabilitation interventions, including mirror box therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, were employed, leading to significant improvement in the patient's condition. The study highlights the need for further research to understand the neural connections and functions of the corpus callosum and to develop standardized assessment tools for AHS. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the College of Medicine and Science has provided new data on the progression of corticobasal degeneration (CBD) in patients with nonfluent primary progressive aphasia (nfvPPA) and primary progressive apraxia of speech (PPAOS). The study found that a significant proportion of patients with nfvPPA and PPAOS progressed to possible CBD, but rarely developed features of probable CBD even after a long follow-up period. The most common features that developed in these patients were asymmetric akinesia, nonverbal oral apraxia (NVOA), and limb apraxia. The study also found that nfvPPA progressed to CBD earlier than PPAOS. The research provides valuable insights into the clinical and neuroimaging evolution of these conditions. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Catholic University in Valencia, Spain have conducted a study on childhood apraxia of speech in late talkers. The study found that children with slow language development can vary widely in their initial profile and response to intervention. Some late talkers continue to exhibit persistent language difficulties, which may be indicative of verbal dyspraxia. The researchers present different response to intervention strategies for two profiles of late talkers. For more information, readers can refer to the article "Early Indicators of Childhood Apraxia of Speech in Late Talkers: General Guidelines to Intervention" published in Medicina-buenos Aires. [Extracted from the article]

A clinical trial is currently underway in Hong Kong to investigate the effectiveness of the Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) treatment in Cantonese-English bilingual children with childhood apraxia of speech. The trial aims to recruit four participants and evaluate their speech productions based on accuracy in phonemes, stress, and tone. The participants will receive two versions of the treatment, one in English and one in Cantonese, over two 6-week treatment phases. Post-treatment probe sessions will be conducted to assess the outcomes. The study is being conducted by Dr. Min Wong from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, in collaboration with the University of Vermont and The University of Hong Kong. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom explored the relationship between navigation abilities, spatial anxiety, and developmental coordination disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia. The study found that individuals with DCD have similar navigation performance to those without the disorder, but they have lower navigation and orientation scores, as well as higher levels of spatial anxiety. The research suggests that spatial anxiety and route strategies may inhibit navigation success in individuals with DCD and could be potential targets for intervention. This study provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by individuals with DCD and highlights the importance of addressing spatial anxiety in navigation interventions. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at AHEPA University Hospital of Thessaloniki in Greece explored the use of apraxia patterns for differentiating between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) variants. The researchers administered tests for upper limb apraxia and apraxia in adults to patients with AD, behavioral variant FTD, and primary progressive aphasia, as well as healthy controls. The study found that apraxia provided high diagnostic accuracy for detecting dementia compared to healthy controls, and that apraxia profiles could contribute to the differentiation between AD and FTD. The researchers concluded that the tests used in the study are reliable tools that can be performed as bedside tests in clinical practice. [Extracted from the article]

A case report on Alien Hand Syndrome (AHS) has been published by researchers at Panimalar Medical College Hospital and Research Institute in Tamil Nadu, India. AHS is a rare condition characterized by involuntary hand movements without the patient's intention. The report describes a 62-year-old male patient who experienced involuntary movement in his right hand after an ischemic stroke involving the left fronto-parietal lobe and corpus callosum. The patient exhibited symptoms consistent with the anterior variant of AHS, but features of the posterior variant were also observed. The case report provides insights into the enigmatic limb phenomenon. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota discusses research on two subtypes of progressive apraxia of speech (PAOS): phonetic PAOS (PAOS_ph) and prosodic PAOS (PAOS_pr). The study used diffusion tensor tractography to examine white matter microstructural abnormalities in these subtypes. The results showed that both subtypes exhibited degeneration of various white matter tracts, but there were differences in the extent and location of degeneration between the subtypes. The researchers suggest that diffusion tensor imaging-based tractography could be a useful supplementary method for investigating PAOS subtypes. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at King's College London explores the historical geography of dyspraxia, a condition that affects up to five percent of the population. The study examines the emergence of dyspraxia in the transatlantic world from 1866 to 1948, tracing its history and major episodes. The researchers argue that mobility approaches hold promise for further understanding dyspraxia and disability more broadly, as they connect different scales of analysis, from embodied differences to global networks of medicine and science. This research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into the historical context of dyspraxia. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Babol University of Medical Sciences in Iran examined the frequency and risk factors of verbal and oral apraxia in patients with acute stroke. The study involved 42 participants and found that the frequency of oral apraxia was 35.7%, verbal apraxia was 2.3%, and the combination of both was 4.7%. The research concluded that post-stroke apraxia is common and more prevalent in older individuals. The study did not find any significant relationship between apraxia and gender or education. [Extracted from the article]