Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 17, 2026
05:39
A Fine Motor Task to Study Joint Kinematics in a Preclinical Model of Neurodegenerative Disease
Published on: June 13, 2025
926
Apathy, cognitive function and motor function in Alzheimer's disease
Salma S Soleman Hernandez1, Thays Martins Vital1, Marcelo Garuffi1
1Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Department of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Aging Lab (LAFE), Rio Claro SP, Brazil.
Dementia & Neuropsychologia
|December 8, 2017
Summary
Apathy in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients was linked to attention deficits and the Walk Test, indicating potential cognitive and functional decline. Further research is needed to explore these associations.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Apathy is a common neuropsychiatric symptom in Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- Understanding the relationship between apathy, cognitive function, and motor abilities is crucial for managing AD.
- Characterizing apathy's impact on daily functioning is essential for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize apathy in AD patients.
- To determine the relationship between apathy, motor function, and cognitive function.
- To identify differences in cognitive and motor abilities based on apathy levels.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 37 AD patients.
- Utilized various cognitive and motor assessments, including MoCA, Frontal Assessment Battery, and the Apathy domain of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory.
- Statistical analyses included t-tests, Mann Whitney U test, Pearson's, and Spearman's correlation coefficients.
Main Results:
- 46% of participants exhibited mild apathy symptoms.
- Weak, significant associations were found between apathy and the attention domain of MoCA (p=0.04) and the Walk Test.
- No significant differences in cognitive or motor functions were observed across different apathy levels.
Conclusions:
- Apathy in AD patients is associated with attention and the Walk Test.
- These findings suggest a potential link between apathy, cognitive decline, and functional impairment in AD.
- Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the role of apathy in AD progression.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
1.8K
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
1.8K
01:22Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
1.0K
Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...
1.0K
01:30Dementia
584
Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
584
01:30Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
671
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia indicate a reduction or absence of typical behaviors and emotional responses found in healthy individuals, while positive symptoms reflect an excess or distortion of normal functioning.
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
671
01:30Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
671
Cognitive enhancers, also known as "smart drugs," are substances used to enhance memory, mental alertness, and concentration. These can be natural or synthetic and improve cognition in conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Some common examples include caffeine, amphetamines, methylphenidate, modafinil, arecoline, donepezil, vortioxetine, and piracetam. These enhancers work on the principle of synaptic plasticity and altered circuit function.
671
01:30Cognitive Development During Adulthood
935
Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...
935