The inability to perform purposeful, skilled acts, such as brushing teeth, is known as what?

Apraxia refers to the inability to perform purposeful, skilled acts despite having the physical capability to do so. This condition typically arises from brain damage and affects a person's ability to execute movements or tasks they were once able to perform. In the case of brushing teeth, a person with apraxia might struggle to carry out this daily activity even though they understand what brushing teeth involves and have the tools necessary to do so.

Agnosia, on the other hand, is characterized by an inability to recognize and interpret sensations or familiar stimuli, which doesn’t directly relate to motor skills. Aphasia and dysphasia both pertain to language difficulties and communication impairments, rather than the execution of motor functions. Thus, apraxia is the correct term to describe the described inability to perform such tasks.