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Open Access 28-11-2023 | Alzheimer's Disease | Review Article

Prevalence, treatment, and neural correlates of apathy in different forms of dementia: a narrative review

Authors: Ilaria Parrotta, Stefano Cacciatore, Flavio D’Andrea, Marianna D’Anna, Giulia Giancaterino, Giovanni Lazzaro, Giorgio Arcara, Nicoletta Manzo

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 4/2024

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of this review is to provide an overview on prevalence and clinical tools for the diagnosis of apathy, as well as on neurophysiological and neuroimaging findings obtained from studies in patients with apathy in different forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vascular (VaD) and mixed dementia, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD).

Methods

Randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials, controlled before–after studies, and interrupted time series from four databases (WebOfScience, Scopus, Pubmed, and PsycINFO) addressing apathy in adults or older people aged over 65 years of age affected by dementia were included.

Results

The prevalence of apathy was 26–82% for AD, 28.6–91.7 for VaD, 29–97.5% in PDD, and 54.8–88.0 in FTD. The assessment of apathy was not consistent in the reviewed studies. Methylphenidate was the most successful pharmacological treatment for apathy. Neurobiological studies highlighted the relationship between both structural and functional brain areas and the presence or severity of apathy.

Conclusion

Apathy is a very common disorder in all types of dementia, although it is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Further studies are needed to investigate its diagnosis and management. A consensus on the different evaluation scales should be achieved.

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Title: Prevalence, treatment, and neural correlates of apathy in different forms of dementia: a narrative review
Authors: Ilaria Parrotta
Stefano Cacciatore
Flavio D’Andrea
Marianna D’Anna
Giulia Giancaterino
Giovanni Lazzaro
Giorgio Arcara
Nicoletta Manzo
Publication date: 28-11-2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease
Dementia
Dementia
Frontotemporal Dementia
Frontotemporal Dementia
Vascular Dementia
Vascular Dementia
Parkinson's Disease
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 4/2024
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-023-07197-7

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Prevalence, treatment, and neural correlates of apathy in different forms of dementia: a narrative review

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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