Applause sign

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The applause sign is a behavioural indicator, relevant to neurodegenerative conditions, characterised by a patient's inability to execute the same number of hand claps as demonstrated by an examiner. [1]

Contents

Background

The applause sign was first described by Dubois and colleagues in 1995, as "a simple test of motor control that helps to differentiate Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) from frontal or striatofrontal degenerative diseases", [1] but has since appeared in various neurodegenerative conditions involving frontal lobe dysfunction. [2]

The applause sign is identified by the three-clap test (TCT), where the patient is asked 'to clap three times as quickly as possible after demonstration'. [3] The subject shows the applause sign when they fail to clap three times, usually continuing past 3. [3] PSP patients are most common displayers of the sign, [2] with occasional appearances in individuals with corticobasal degeneration, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease. [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

Indicative uses and mechanisms

Frontal lobe dysfunction

The applause sign can indicate frontal lobe dysfunction [3] because deliberate movement functions are localised to the brain's frontal lobe, meaning all control of deliberate movement like clapping is the responsibility of frontal lobe structures. [7] Hence, when the frontal lobe functions abnormally, an inability to execute movement according to intention results. [8]

Ability to stop actions as and when intended is a process key to the applause sign, and to which voluntary movement control is integral. The inferior frontal gyrus is the specific part of the frontal lobe [9] responsible for generating stop processes. [10] [11] [12] Hence, when a patient experiences frontal lobe dysfunction, the inferior frontal gyrus is impacted, resulting in movement perseveration (an abnormal prolongation of current activity), [13] and appearance of the applause sign.

Higher frequency of the applause sign in severe than mild and moderate Alzheimer's [4] evidences this mechanism, with frontal lobe dysfunction only a feature of severe cases. [14] [15] FMRI studies in healthy participants also show increased activity in the frontal lobe during stop-signal tasks similar to the TCT. [16]

Basal ganglia dysfunction

The applause sign can also reflect dysfunction of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and pallidum, [5] two structures involved in function of the basal ganglia (a small group of brain structures involved in voluntary movement control networks).

The basal ganglia and its relevant substructures Cortical surface with an overlay of the basal ganglia and thalamus.jpg
The basal ganglia and its relevant substructures

Normal function of the STN prevents unwanted movement through its influence in the basal ganglia. It stimulates the pallidum to decrease activity in the thalamus, another structure implicated in movement control, which decreases movement. [17] When the STN is dysfunctional, unwanted movements such as additional claps go unprevented, [18] and the applause sign appears.

This mechanism is supported by correlation between TCT scores and high scores from a test of basal ganglia dysfunction (UPDRS part III). [5] [19]

Combined mechanism (Frontalstriatal disconnection syndrome)

One study [2] proposes a combined mechanism, involving both the basal ganglia and the inferior frontal gyrus.

When basal ganglia pathways are dysfunctioning, the inferior frontal gyrus and other motor preparation areas stop receiving normal input from the basal ganglia about when to stop preparing and executing observed actions. [20] This results in continuous activity in this imitation processing circuitry. [20] Hence, we observe an inability to stop imitation of claps when desired during the TCT.

This mechanism may reflect increased prevalence of the sign in PSP patients, [2] since PSP is associated with damage to both the frontal lobe and basal ganglia structures simultaneously. It may also explain why the sign appears regardless of if the individual's condition is predominantly frontal or predominantly subcortical (the level of the basal ganglia).

List of conditions associated with frequent appearance

Evidence of clinical effectiveness

As a test of neurodegenerative disorder

The applause sign has been able to identify patients with neurodegenerative conditions from healthy controls at 100% success rate. [1] [3] [5]

When identifying PSP

Separating PSP patients and healthy controls using the sign had a mean success rate of 64.7% across 4 known studies, effectiveness as high as 85% in one. [5] [21] [22] [24]

Appearance of the sign, when used in conjunction with 4 classical parkinsonian disease findings, enables highly accurate PSP diagnosis. [25]

When identifying FTD

One study reported the sign as present in 80% of patients with the disinhibited subtype of the behavioral variant of FTD (bvFTD). [24]

As a test of executive function

TCT scores show correlation with Stroop test scores [24] and performance on the Initiation/Preservation task of the Dementia rating scale results, [26] which are both common measures of executive function.

As part of a combined test of cognitive impairment

A Rapid Cognitive Screen Test (RCS-T), combined with a triple test of the applause and two other signs, appears effective in identifying specific cognitive impairment. [27]

Criticisms

Lacking specificity

The applause sign is detectable in any condition impacting the frontal lobe, [3] so it often fails to discriminate between neurodegenerative conditions, including PSP from parkinsonian disorders, and CBD from MSA. [21] The applause sign is also present in 72% of patients with any form of cognitive impairment, regardless of whether this is mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. [28]

Additionally, it may also reflect only certain condition subtypes, rather than all forms: in one study, prevalence of applause sign was 63% in atypical parkinsonism and only 29% in typical PD. [20] Another reported the occurrence of the sign in cortical dementias patients as 10%, but a much higher 39% in cortico-subcortical dementia patients. [23]

The applause sign also fails to discriminate between individuals who clap more and individuals who clap less [24] than 3 times, sometimes called a non-applause sign. Both of these demonstrate an applause sign, but which of these response categories they fall into changes the dysfunctional motor initiative responsible for failure. [24]

The applause sign's non-specificity may make it more appropriate as part of wider diagnostic framework, or as an observational clue, similar to glabellar, masseter, and palmomental signs in parkinsonian disorders. [2]

Contradictory evidence from Alzheimer's research

One study finds no correlation between results of a test of motor behaviour (Luria motor sequence) and the applause sign. [4] If the applause sign demonstrates motor disruption as theorised, [5] then this presents significant opposition to that claim.

This criticism has been downplayed on the basis that applause sign exclusively reflects motor perseveration and therefore association to performance in motor planning and execution tests is unlikely. [4]

Lack of published research

22 distinct studies exist [2] on the applause sign and its effectiveness. Within this, only 129 PSP patients have been examined across 6 studies, including one sample of only 5. [2] Relation to CBD is based on 2 studies sampling 2 and 9 participants. [2] Small sample sizes hugely reduce generalisability of findings. Further studies about the diagnostic properties of the applause sign must come forward to clarify its practical value and specific role as a sign of frontostriatal disconnection. [2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Dubois, B.; Defontaines, B.; Deweer, B.; Malapani, C.; Pillon, B. (1995). "Cognitive and behavioral changes in patients with focal lesions of the basal ganglia". Advances in Neurology. 65: 29–41. ISSN   0091-3952. PMID   7872147.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Moura, João (2021-01-20). "A Round of Applause: A Review of the Applause Sign". Sinapse. 21 (4). doi: 10.46531/sinapse/ar/210054/2021 (inactive 11 July 2025). ISSN   1645-281X. S2CID   246397507.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of July 2025 (link)
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Luzzi, S.; Fabi, K.; Pesallaccia, M.; Silvestrini, M.; Provinciali, L. (2011-08-01). "Applause sign: is it really specific for Parkinsonian disorders? Evidence from cortical dementias" . Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. 82 (8): 830–833. doi:10.1136/jnnp.2010.224394. ISSN   0022-3050. PMID   21245475. S2CID   27191862.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 Luzzi, Simona; Fabi, Katia; Pesallaccia, Martina; Silvestrini, Mauro; Provinciali, Leandro (2012-07-20). "Applause sign in Alzheimer's disease: relationships to cognitive profile and severity of illness". Journal of Neurology. 260 (1): 172–175. doi:10.1007/s00415-012-6608-1. ISSN   0340-5354. PMID   23010943. S2CID   8971544.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Schönecker, Sonja; Hell, Franz; Bötzel, Kai; Wlasich, Elisabeth; Ackl, Nibal; Süßmair, Christine; Otto, Markus; Anderl-Straub, Sarah; Ludolph, Albert; Kassubek, Jan; Huppertz, Hans-Jürgen; Diehl-Schmid, Janine; Riedl, Lina; Roßmeier, Carola; Fassbender, Klaus (2018-12-01). "The applause sign in frontotemporal lobar degeneration and related conditions". Journal of Neurology. 266 (2): 330–338. doi:10.1007/s00415-018-9134-y. ISSN   0340-5354. PMID   30506397. S2CID   54434291.
  6. 1 2 Anneser, Johanna M.H.; Krzovska, Marija; Borasio, Gian Domenico; Danek, Adrian (October 2015). "Occurrence of the "applause sign" in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis". Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery. 137: 8–10. doi:10.1016/j.clineuro.2015.06.005. ISSN   0303-8467. PMID   26117556. S2CID   27063600.
  7. ↑ Hoffmann, Michael (2013-03-14). "The Human Frontal Lobes and Frontal Network Systems: An Evolutionary, Clinical, and Treatment Perspective". ISRN Neurology. 2013 892459. doi: 10.1155/2013/892459 . ISSN   2090-5505. PMC   3612492 . PMID   23577266.
  8. ↑ Pirau, Letitia; Lui, Forshing (2023), "Frontal Lobe Syndrome", StatPearls, Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, PMID   30422576 , retrieved 2023-03-27
  9. ↑ El-Baba, Rami M.; Schury, Mark P. (2023), "Neuroanatomy, Frontal Cortex", StatPearls, Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, PMID   32119370 , retrieved 2023-03-28
  10. ↑ Menon, V.; Adleman, N. E.; White, C.D.; Glover, G.H.; Reiss, A.L. (2001). "Error-related brain activation during a Go/NoGo response inhibition task". Human Brain Mapping. 12 (3): 131–143. doi:10.1002/1097-0193(200103)12:3<131::aid-hbm1010>3.0.co;2-c. ISSN   1065-9471. PMC   6872006 . PMID   11170305.
  11. ↑ Rubia, Katya; Smith, Anna B; Brammer, Michael J; Taylor, Eric (September 2003). "Right inferior prefrontal cortex mediates response inhibition while mesial prefrontal cortex is responsible for error detection". NeuroImage. 20 (1): 351–358. doi:10.1016/s1053-8119(03)00275-1. ISSN   1053-8119. PMID   14527595. S2CID   25940084.
  12. ↑ Aron, Adam; Schlagheckent, Friedericka; Fletcher, Paul; Bullmore, Ed; Eimert, Martin; Sahakian, Barbara; Robbins, Trevor (June 2001). "Modulation of premotor cortex caused by subliminal priming in a reaction time experiment". NeuroImage. 13 (6): 1123. doi:10.1016/s1053-8119(01)92448-6. ISSN   1053-8119. S2CID   54312524.
  13. ↑ Brown, Jason W.; Chobor, Karen L. (1989-01-01). "Frontal lobes and the problem of perseveration". Journal of Neurolinguistics. 4 (1): 65–85. doi:10.1016/0911-6044(89)90005-5. ISSN   0911-6044. S2CID   53187027.
  14. ↑ Braak, H.; Braak, E. (September 1991). "Neuropathological stageing of Alzheimer-related changes". Acta Neuropathologica. 82 (4): 239–259. doi:10.1007/bf00308809. ISSN   0001-6322. PMID   1759558. S2CID   668690.
  15. ↑ Braak, H.; Braak, E. (April 1996). "Evolution of the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease". Acta Neurologica Scandinavica. 94 (S165): 3–12. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.1996.tb05866.x . ISSN   0001-6314. PMID   8740983. S2CID   23604326.
  16. ↑ Ray Li, Chiang-Shan; Yan, Peisi; Sinha, Rajita; Lee, Tien-Wen (July 2008). "Subcortical processes of motor response inhibition during a stop signal task". NeuroImage. 41 (4): 1352–1363. doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2008.04.023. ISSN   1053-8119. PMC   2474693 . PMID   18485743.
  17. ↑ Basinger, Hayden; Joseph, Joe (2023), "Neuroanatomy, Subthalamic Nucleus", StatPearls, Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, PMID   32644428 , retrieved 2023-03-28
  18. ↑ Caligiore, Daniele; Mannella, Francesco; Arbib, Michael A.; Baldassarre, Gianluca (2017-03-30). "Dysfunctions of the basal ganglia-cerebellar-thalamo-cortical system produce motor tics in Tourette syndrome". PLOS Computational Biology. 13 (3) e1005395. Bibcode:2017PLSCB..13E5395C. doi: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005395 . ISSN   1553-734X. PMC   5373520 . PMID   28358814.
  19. ↑ Adams, Christopher; Suescun, Jessika; Haque, Anam; Block, Kelly; Chandra, Shivika; Ellmore, Timothy M.; Schiess, Mya C. (2023-01-27). "Updated Parkinson's disease motor subtypes classification and correlation to cerebrospinal homovanillic acid and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels". Clinical Parkinsonism & Related Disorders. 8 100187. doi:10.1016/j.prdoa.2023.100187. ISSN   2590-1125. PMC   9922918 . PMID   36793590.
  20. 1 2 3 4 5 Abdo, W. F.; Norden, A. G. W.; Laat, K. F.; Leeuw, F-E.; Borm, G. F.; Verbeek, M. M.; Kremer, P. H. P.; Bloem, B. R. (October 2007). "Diagnostic accuracy of the clapping test in Parkinsonian disorders". Journal of Neurology. 254 (10): 1366–1369. doi:10.1007/s00415-007-0551-6. ISSN   0340-5354. PMID   17934886. S2CID   24380493.
  21. 1 2 3 4 5 Wu, Laura J.C.; Sitburana, Oraporn; Davidson, Anthony; Jankovic, Joseph (2008-12-15). "Applause sign in parkinsonian disorders and Huntington's disease". Movement Disorders. 23 (16): 2307–2311. doi:10.1002/mds.22090. ISSN   0885-3185. PMID   18972544. S2CID   25748671.
  22. 1 2 3 Somme, Johanne; Gómez-Esteban, Juan Carlos; Tijero, Beatriz; Berganzo, Koldo; Lezcano, Elena; Zarranz, Juan Jose (August 2013). "The applause sign and neuropsychological profile in progressive supranuclear palsy and Parkinson's disease". Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery. 115 (8): 1230–1233. doi:10.1016/j.clineuro.2012.11.013. ISSN   0303-8467. PMID   23253819. S2CID   23110215.
  23. 1 2 3 Isella, Valeria; Rucci, Francesco; Traficante, Debora; Mapelli, Cristina; Ferri, Francesca; Appollonio, Ildebrando M. (2012-12-02). "The applause sign in cortical and cortical-subcortical dementia". Journal of Neurology. 260 (4): 1099–1103. doi:10.1007/s00415-012-6767-0. ISSN   0340-5354. PMID   23212756. S2CID   36293600.
  24. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Luzzi, S.; Fabi, K.; Pesallaccia, M.; Cafazzo, V.; Silvestrini, M.; Provinciali, L. (2014-01-31). "To clap or not to clap? Applause sign in apathetic and disinhibited/stereotypical behavioural variants of FTD". Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. 85 (7): 823–824. doi:10.1136/jnnp-2013-307116. ISSN   0022-3050. PMID   24487382. S2CID   45620669.
  25. ↑ Carota, Dr Antonio (2014-03-29). "Applaud please".
  26. ↑ Tomic, Svetlana; Vladetic, Mirjana; Solic, Kresimir; Misevic, Sanja; Soldo, Silva Butkovic (2013-12-01). "The applause sign in Parkinson's disease patients is related to dysexecutive syndrome" . Journal of Clinical Neuroscience. 20 (12): 1734–1736. doi:10.1016/j.jocn.2013.02.024. ISSN   0967-5868. PMID   23972562. S2CID   40495084.
  27. ↑ Isik, Ahmet T.; Soysal, Pinar; Kaya, Derya; Usarel, Cansu (March 2018). "Triple test, a diagnostic observation, can detect cognitive impairment in older adults". Psychogeriatrics. 18 (2): 98–105. doi: 10.1111/psyg.12289 . ISSN   1479-8301. PMID   29409161. S2CID   3749734.
  28. ↑ Bonello, M.; Larner, A. J. (2016). "Applause sign: screening utility for dementia and cognitive impairment". Postgraduate Medicine. 128 (2): 250–253. doi:10.1080/00325481.2016.1118353. ISSN   1941-9260. PMID   26560747. S2CID   205452306.
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