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Apathy following cerebrovascular lesions
S E Starkstein1, J P Fedoroff, T R Price
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md.
Stroke
|November 1, 1993
Summary
Apathy affects 22.5% of stroke patients and is linked to older age, cognitive issues, and specific brain lesions. It can occur independently or alongside depression after a stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuropsychiatry
- Stroke Medicine
Background:
- Apathy is a common post-stroke complication.
- Previous studies lacked prospective data on apathy frequency and correlates.
- This study addresses the gap in prospective research on stroke-related apathy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of apathy in acute stroke patients.
- To identify factors associated with apathy after stroke.
- To explore the relationship between apathy and depression post-stroke.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 80 consecutive patients with cerebrovascular lesions.
- Inclusion criteria: within 10 days post-stroke.
- Assessment using a comprehensive neuropsychiatric battery, including the Apathy Scale.
Main Results:
- Apathy was observed in 22.5% of patients.
- Apathy was associated with older age, cognitive impairments, and daily living deficits.
- Lesions in the posterior limb of the internal capsule were significantly linked to apathy.
- Major depression, but not minor depression, increased apathy frequency.
Conclusions:
- Apathy is a frequent condition in acute stroke patients.
- Apathy can coexist with other emotional and cognitive post-stroke issues.
- Findings highlight the importance of assessing apathy in stroke survivors.