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Review
. 2011 Oct;17(5):411-27.
doi: 10.1111/j.1755-5949.2010.00161.x. Epub 2010 Jun 16.

The role of dopamine in symptoms and treatment of apathy in Alzheimer's disease

Robert A Mitchell  1 , Nathan Herrmann, Krista L Lanctôt
Affiliations
Review

The role of dopamine in symptoms and treatment of apathy in Alzheimer's disease

Robert A Mitchell et al. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2011 Oct.

Abstract

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by a number of serious and debilitating behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). The most common of these BPSD is apathy, which represents a major source of morbidity and premature institutionalization in the AD population. Many studies have identified discrete changes to the dopaminergic (DAergic) system in patients with AD. The DAergic system is closely related to the brain reward system (BRS) and some studies have suggested that dysfunction in the DAergic system may account for symptoms of apathy in the AD population.

Method: Changes to the dopamine (DA) system in AD will be reviewed, and evidence supporting the involvement of the DAergic system in the development of apathy will be examined. Additionally, some pharmacological interventions with DA activity have been identified. The utility of these treatments in the AD population will be reviewed, with a focus on apathy as an outcome.

Results: Evidence presented in this review suggests that DA dysfunction in discrete brain areas is an important correlate of apathy in AD and that the DAergic system may be a rational target for pharmacological treatment of apathy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no commercial or financial involvements that may present a conflict of interest in connection with this article.

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