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Review
. 2017 Jan;13(1):84-100.
doi: 10.1016/j.jalz.2016.05.008. Epub 2016 Jun 27.

Apathy associated with neurocognitive disorders: Recent progress and future directions

Affiliations
Review

Apathy associated with neurocognitive disorders: Recent progress and future directions

Krista L Lanctôt et al. Alzheimers Dement. 2017 Jan.

Abstract

Introduction: 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.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease (AD); Apathy; Mild behavioral impairment (MBI); Neurocognitive disorders (NCD); neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS).

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