Apathy associated with neurocognitive disorders: Recent progress and future directions.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Apathy is a prevalent symptom in neurocognitive disorders (NCDs), including Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment.
• Existing definitions of apathy are inconsistent, but it is generally characterized by a loss of motivation and diminished interest in daily activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in understanding and managing apathy in neurocognitive disorders.
• To synthesize findings from the ISTAART NPS-PIA Apathy workgroup.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive review of the latest research on apathy in NCDs.
• Focus on progress in phenomenology, neurobiology, and interventions.

Main Results:

• Significant progress has been made in defining and measuring apathy (phenomenology).
• Neurobiological correlates, including neuroimaging and biomarkers, are increasingly understood.
• Pharmacologic, nonpharmacologic, and neuromodulatory interventions show promise.

Conclusions:

• Apathy substantially affects individuals with both major and mild NCDs.
• Apathy represents a critical target for ongoing research and therapeutic development.