Successful treatment of post-stroke apathy by the dopamine receptor agonist ropinirole

Dopamine D2/3 receptor agonists have been widely used to treat motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease and are also reported to improve cognitive and emotional disturbances. Here we describe a patient who developed severe apathy after cerebral infarction in the prefrontal cortex. After administration of ropinirole, his verbal output and spontaneity in daily life was improved remarkably. This improvement was associated with increased blood flow in the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia. We suggest that ropinirole may be a treatment option for deficits in motivated behavior after prefrontal damage.