The prevalence of apathy in Lewy body dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Apathy is an important syndrome in Lewy body dementia (LBD), although reported prevalences vary. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of apathy in LBD through systematic review and meta-analysis.

Five databases were searched for articles reporting the prevalence of apathy in LBD (dementia with Lewy bodies [DLB] and Parkinson's disease dementia [PDD]) and prodromal/mild cognitive impairment (MCI) LBD. Linear mixed model random effect meta-analysis was performed to determine the prevalence of apathy.

Of 7846 articles identified, 49 met inclusion criteria. The average pooled prevalence of apathy was 57% (95% confidence interval [CI] 52%-63%, I² = 85.6%) in DLB, 56% (95% CI 43%-70%, I² = 97.6%) in PDD, 46% (95% CI 32%-61%, I² = 90.6%) in Lewy body-MCI, and 38% (95% CI 25%-50%, I² = 88.1%) in Parkinson's disease-MCI.

Apathy affects more than half of individuals with LBD. The high prevalence in prodromal DLB supports the notion that apathy may assist in more timely and accurate diagnosis of DLB.

Reported apathy prevalence in Lewy body dementia (LBD) varies widely in the existing literature. The pooled prevalence of apathy was > 50% in LBD and > 40% in prodromal disease stages. Apathy may have utility in earlier, more accurate diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies.