What term describes the acquired difficulty in performing skilled movements?

The term that describes the acquired difficulty in performing skilled movements is apraxia. It refers to a condition where an individual has difficulty executing purposeful movements, despite having the physical ability to perform the tasks and understanding what is required. This often occurs due to damage in certain areas of the brain that are responsible for motor planning and coordination, particularly those in the left hemisphere, which are crucial for the integration of sensory and motor information.

Apraxia may present in various forms, such as ideomotor apraxia, where individuals struggle to carry out simple motor commands, or ideational apraxia, where they have difficulty with the sequence of movements required to complete a task. The distinction lies in the fact that the individual can physically move their limbs but has trouble with the organization and execution of the movements necessary for skilled actions.

Understanding this term is essential in the context of various neurological conditions and brain injuries, as apraxia is often a significant symptom seen in patients with conditions like stroke or dementia.