2. Deterioration of Motor Skills – An Unseen Adversary in HAND’s Grasp
The nefarious grip of HAND also extends towards an individual’s motor skills. If you’re thinking this symptom manifests as dramatic spasms or shaking, think again.
Like the cognitive impairment we discussed earlier, motor skill deterioration in HAND often starts subtly. It may initially present as a slight clumsiness, like dropping things more frequently or a minor struggle with tasks that require precision.
As HAND progresses, so does the deterioration of motor skills. Tasks requiring fine motor control become increasingly challenging.
Think of activities involving detailed hand movements, like writing, buttoning a shirt, or even using cutlery. Such tasks might start to feel like trying to thread a needle in a moving vehicle – arduous and frustrating.
But HAND’s effects aren’t limited to fine motor skills alone. Gross motor skills, which involve the coordination of larger muscle groups for activities like walking, can also take a hit.
An affected individual might show signs of an unsteady gait or clumsy movements. They may also experience a general slowing down of physical activities, known as bradykinesia, which is characteristic of neurological disorders.
However, this deterioration doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process, making it easy to dismiss early signs as mere clumsiness or the result of fatigue.
It’s precisely why we need to pay close attention to these subtle changes. Recognizing the decline in motor skills at an early stage can provide a significant advantage in managing HAND, minimizing its impact on the individual’s life.
The deterioration of motor skills due to HAND is like an unseen adversary, subtly yet persistently invading the individual’s life. But remember, this adversary isn’t unbeatable. With early detection and appropriate intervention, it’s possible to keep this symptom in check, preserving the individual’s quality of life. (2)
