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Apathy associated with neurocognitive disorders: Recent progress and future directions
Author(s) -
Lanctôt Krista L.,
AgüeraOrtiz Luis,
Brodaty Henry,
Francis Paul T.,
Geda Yonas E.,
Ismail Zahinoor,
Marshall Gad A.,
Mortby Moyra E.,
Onyike Chiadi U.,
Padala Prasad R.,
Politis Antonios M.,
Rosenberg Paul B.,
Siegel Emma,
Sultzer David L.,
Abraham Eleenor H.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1016/j.jalz.2016.05.008
Subject(s) - apathy , neurocognitive , psychology , cognitive psychology , neuroscience , cognition
Apathy is common in neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) such as Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. Although the definition of apathy is inconsistent in the literature, apathy is primarily defined as a loss of motivation and decreased interest in daily activities. Methods The Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART) Neuropsychiatric Syndromes Professional Interest Area (NPS‐PIA) Apathy workgroup reviewed the latest research regarding apathy in NCDs. Results Progress has recently been made in three areas relevant to apathy: (1) phenomenology, including the use of diagnostic criteria and novel instruments for measurement, (2) neurobiology, including neuroimaging, neuropathological and biomarker correlates, and (3) interventions, including pharmacologic, nonpharmacologic, and noninvasive neuromodulatory approaches. Discussion Recent progress confirms that apathy has a significant impact on those with major NCD and those with mild NCDs. As such, it is an important target for research and intervention.