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Neuropsychological performance in mild cognitive impairment with and without apathy

Philippe H Robert1, Claudine Berr, Magali Volteau

  • 1Centre Mémoire de Ressources et de Recherche, CHU de Nice, INSERM JE 2441, Nice, France. philippe.robert15@wanadoo.fr

Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders
|January 21, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Apathy in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is linked to worse memory performance, not executive function deficits. This study found apathetic MCI patients had poorer recall on memory tests.

Area of Science:

  • Neuropsychology
  • Geriatrics
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia.
  • Apathy is a common symptom in neurodegenerative diseases, affecting patient outcomes.
  • Understanding neuropsychological differences in MCI with and without apathy is crucial for diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the neuropsychological profiles of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who exhibit apathy versus those who do not.
  • To identify specific cognitive domains affected by apathy in the MCI population.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 245 MCI patients (mean age 72 years, MMSE 27.5) was assessed.
  • Patients were categorized into two groups based on apathy levels using the Apathy Inventory.
  • An extensive neuropsychological test battery was administered to all participants.

Main Results:

  • 38.4% of MCI patients presented with apathy.
  • Apathetic MCI patients scored significantly lower on the free and cued selective reminding test (FCSR) at baseline.
  • The apathetic subgroup demonstrated a significant decline in FCSR total recall over a 1-year period.

Conclusions:

  • Apathy in MCI is associated with greater memory impairment, specifically in recall.
  • The findings suggest that apathy in MCI is not primarily linked to deficits in frontal executive functions.
  • These results highlight the importance of assessing apathy in MCI for a comprehensive understanding of cognitive deficits.

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