Dementia
Conditions
Keywords
dementia
Brief summary
In this study, the investigators will determine the difference between the two techniques used to elicit the grasp response in patients with frontal lobe dysfunction, primarily in dementia patients versus control patients.
Detailed description
The goal of this project is to determine the optimal technique to elicit the grasping response in patients with dementia or suspected frontal lobe dysfunction. The proposed study is to perform two techniques to elicit grasp response in patients with dementia or suspected frontal lobe dysfunction and observe the presence or absence of the response and prominence of the response on a proposed rating scale. Future goals will be aimed at aiding clinicians in refining their clinical techniques to be more sensitive for diagnosing frontal lobe dysfunctions.
Interventions
OTHERpalmar grasp without dorsal stimulation
The patient will then be asked to keep the arms at 90 degrees and the researcher will slightly stroke palm and fingers of both hands of the patient simultaneously. After completion of each technique, the presence or absence of the response will be noted. In addition, the prominence of the response on the rating scale will be obtained as explained below. The scaling of the grasp response is as followed: 1. Flexion at the distal interphalangeal joint of the hand 2. Flexion at the proximal interphalangeal joint of the hand 3. Flexion at the metacarpal-phalangeal joint of the hand
OTHERstandard palmar grasp test with dorsal stimulation
The patient will be asked to put their arms at 90 degrees and the researcher will hold one hand at the wrist and dorsum of the palm and lightly stroke the palm and fingers. The patient will be instructed to relax hands and not hold on while doing the grasp and see if the response persists. The same technique will be repeated for the patient's other hand.
Sponsors
Rowan University
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
1. Ability to sign informed consent or have a surrogate present to sign the consent 2. Age 18 or above 3. Patients are diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or frontal lobe dysfunction 4. Medications are to remain stable during the course of the study except for emergency modifications.
Exclusion criteria
1. Inability to obtain informed consent from patient or surrogate 2. Unable to follow commands. 3. Physical restrictions (i.e. spasticity of hands/arms, upper extremity amputation) 4. Other comorbidities such as muscular diseases, hepatic encephalopathy, renal failure, down syndrome, NPH, depression, and cerebral palsy.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Grasp response | six months | The primary objective of the study will be to determine if a change in the performance of the grasp response will lead to a change in the way the response is elicited. The prominence of the grasp response will be scored on a rating scale |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal Lobe release- Glabellar Response | six months | The secondary objective during this study will be to determine if other frontal release signs are present in study participants. The glabellar response will be tested. |
| Frontal lobe release- Palmomental Response | six months | The secondary objective during this study will be to determine if other frontal release signs are present in study participants. The palmomental response will be tested. |
| Frontal lobe release- Snout Response | six months | The secondary objective during this study will be to determine if other frontal release signs are present in study participants. The snout response will be tested. |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed