Anterograde motor, also known as anterograde motor amnesia, refers to a specific type of memory impairment that affects the ability to form new voluntary motor skills or execute learned motor movements after a traumatic brain injury or damage to certain brain regions.
The term "anterograde" denotes the inability to create new memories or retain new information, while "motor" pertains to voluntary movement and muscle control. Thus, anterograde motor specifically relates to the impaired formation or execution of new physical skills and coordinated movements.
Individuals with anterograde motor amnesia may find it challenging to learn and perform certain actions, such as playing a musical instrument, riding a bicycle, or typing on a keyboard. They may struggle to remember the steps involved, experience difficulty coordinating their movements, or make errors in the execution of previously learned actions.
This condition is typically caused by damage to specific brain areas involved in motor learning and control, such as the basal ganglia or cerebellum. It is important to note that anterograde motor amnesia differs from anterograde memory loss, which primarily affects the ability to create new declarative memories (memory for facts or events).
Treatment for anterograde motor focuses on rehabilitation strategies aimed at relearning motor skills through repetitive practice and physical therapy. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other targeted interventions can help individuals regain lost motor abilities and compensate for any persistent difficulties in forming new motor memories.
