Anticipatory reaching motor behavior characterizes patients within the Alzheimer’s disease continuum in a virtual reality environment

INTRODUCTION Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) involves progressive declines in cognitive and motor functions, impairing daily activities. This study explored reaching actions in a Virtual Reality (VR) environment in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) patients to identify motor deficits and their link to cognitive decline. METHODS Kinematic data was recorded, assessing task success rate and frequency of anticipatory responses, focusing on the latter as a potential marker of AD. RESULTS Both AD and MCI patients showed more anticipatory responses than healthy controls (HC), inversely related to success rates and cognitive function. AD patients had lower success rates and increased anticipatory responses, often skewed toward previous trial targets. MCI patients showed an intermediate pattern, with more anticipatory responses than HC but similar success rates. DISCUSSION These results suggest goal-directed reaching impairments in AD, highlighting the importance of combining cognitive and sensorimotor assessments for early detection and potential VR-based motor rehabilitation in the AD continuum.