From the Guidelines
Alzheimer's disease is the disorder that most commonly causes difficulty with paperwork.
Key Features of Alzheimer's Disease
- Difficulty with learning and remembering new information 1
- Executive dysfunction, including problems with planning, organization, and judgment 1
- Language impairments, such as word-finding difficulty, agrammatism, and impaired writing (agraphia) 1
Impact on Daily Activities
- Persons with Alzheimer's disease may have mild problems performing complex functional tasks, such as paying bills or preparing a meal 1
- They may take more time, be less efficient, and make more errors at performing such activities than in the past 1
Other Disorders that May Cause Difficulty with Paperwork
- Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), which can cause progressive aphasic syndrome, including speech and language impairments 1
- Vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID), which can cause cognitive-behavioral impairment 1
- Stroke, which can cause communication disorders, including aphasia, cognitive-communication disorders, dysarthria, and apraxia of speech 1
From the Research
Disorders Causing Difficulty with Paperwork
There are several disorders that can cause difficulty with paperwork, including:
- Dyslexia: a reading disorder that can make it challenging to complete paperwork accurately and efficiently 2
- Dysgraphia: a writing disorder that can affect an individual's ability to write legibly and coherently, making it difficult to complete paperwork 3
- Cognitive deficits associated with bipolar disorder: individuals with bipolar disorder may experience difficulties with executive function, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, which can impact their ability to complete paperwork 4
- Word-finding difficulties: a language disorder that can make it hard for individuals to find the right words to express themselves in writing, leading to difficulties with paperwork 5
- Language disorders associated with dementia: in some cases, language disturbances can be a prominent symptom of dementia, leading to difficulties with communication and paperwork 6
Key Characteristics of These Disorders
Some key characteristics of these disorders include:
- Difficulty with reading and writing
- Trouble with word-finding and language processing
- Cognitive deficits, such as problems with executive function and working memory
- Difficulty with communication and expression
- Increased risk of errors and inaccuracies when completing paperwork
Importance of Accurate Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is essential to determine the underlying cause of difficulty with paperwork and to develop effective strategies for support and accommodation. A comprehensive evaluation, including logopedic examination and neuropsychological testing, can help identify the specific disorder and its impact on an individual's ability to complete paperwork 6