In the cross-sectional part of the umbrella project, we have examined hand dexterity in three groups of right-handed participants: Healthy young adults, healthy older adults and patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We have conducted a complete kinematic analysis during execution of a pegboard task with a 2D motion capture system. This analysis provides information about movement times and kinematics of angular and linear parameters. Four actions during hand dexterity have been analyzed: reaching, grasping, transporting and inserting of pins. From this initial evaluation, we have been able to show that the action of grasping is among the most affected in the older groups, specifically on the left hand. Also, these results are related to the integrity of cerebral white matter, such as in the corticospinal tracts and corpus callosum. Interesting findings from this cross-sectional assessment point to conspicuous gender differences in late adulthood as well as to reduction in hand asymmetries in the older groups. The ongoing longitudinal investigation will demonstrate the impact of time in hand dexterity on individuals developing dementia and those in the normal course of aging.

Key publications:

• Vasylenko, O., Gorecka, M.M., Waterloo, K., Rodríguez-Aranda, C. (2022) Reduction in manual asymmetry and decline in fine manual dexterity in right-handed older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Laterality: Asymmetries of Body, Brain and Cognition https://doi.org/10.1080/1357650X.2022.2111437
• Riaz, M., Vangberg, T.R., Vasylenko, O., Castro-Chavira, S.A., Gorecka, M.M., Waterloo, K., Rodríguez-Aranda, C. (2020). What does hand motor function tell us about our aging brain in association with WMH? Aging Clinical and Experimental Research. ISSN 1594-0667.s doi: 10.1007/s40520-020-01683-0 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40520-020-01683-0
• O. Vasylenko, M. Gorecka and C. Rodríguez-Aranda (2018). Manual Dexterity in Young and Healthy Older Adults. 1. Age- and Gender-Related Differences in Unimanual and Bimanual Performance.  Developmental Psychobiology, 60 (4), 407-427 https://doi.org/10.1002/dev.21619
• Rodríguez-Aranda, C., Mittner, M. & Vasylenko O. (2016). Association between executive functions, working memory, and manual dexterity in young and healthy older adults: An exploratory study. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 122 (1), 165-192 https://doi.org/10.1177/0031512516628370