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Abstract

The apathy is defined as a syndrome of primary motivational loss, that is, loss of motivation not attributable to emotional distress, intellectual impairment or diminished level of consciousness. Although apathy is one of the commonest presentations of neurocognitive disorders (NCD), researchers have relatively overlooked it. Apathy is not just emotional aspect of a disease process but the neurobiological exploration has revealed that it is linked with the structural and functional changes in the brain parenchyma. Neurocognitive disorders are not immune to it. Apathy is frequently associated with the neurocognitive disorders and ultimately hampers the prompt diagnosis and prognosis. It is a part of the behavioral and psychological symptom associated with the cognitive impairment. It represents a form of executive cognitive dysfunction and is one of the primary syndromes associated with frontal and subcortical pathology. Apathy in NCD appears to have multiple neuro-anatomical correlates that implicate components of frontal sub-cortical networks. Patients with apathy suffer from decreased daily function and specific cognitive deficits and become more reliant on care, which results in increased stress for families/caregivers. Many times it is difficult to distinguish depression from apathy, which is also commonly associated with the cognitive impairment due to shared phenomenology. Insight into these aspects will help the clinicians better manage the patients. This presentation will explore the various dimensions of apathy starting from its neurobiology to its clinical presentation and effective management. This will help the clinicians develop a deeper understanding of apathy associated with the neurocognitive disorders and ultimately help improve overall functioning of patients and alleviate the care giver burden.

Biography

Email: dr_smtripathi@rediffmail.com