Neural bases and treatment of apathy in patients with dementia

Hiroaki Kazui

Department of Neuropsychiatry Kochi Medical School, Kochi University

Apathy is the most frequent behavioral and psychological symptom of dementia (BPSD). Apathy often causes caregiver burden, because it can lead to refusal of daily activities such as eating and bathing, and of taking medication. In this paper, I show the results of our two researches that contribute to elucidating the neural bases of apathy. One research was on patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus and the other was on mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease. The findings of the researches indicated that apathy was associated with the caudate. I also think about treatment of and care for apathy in this paper.

Address correspondence to Dr. Hiroaki Kazui, Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University (Kohasu, Oko-cho, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8505, Japan)