Diagnostic Criteria for Apathy in Neurocognitive Disorders

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-5-2021

Publication Title

Alzheimer's and Dementia

First page number:

1

Last page number:

13

Abstract

Introduction: Apathy is common in neurocognitive disorders (NCD) but NCD-specific diagnostic criteria are needed. Methods: The International Society for CNS Clinical Trials Methodology Apathy Work Group convened an expert group and sought input from academia, health-care, industry, and regulatory bodies. A modified Delphi methodology was followed, and included an extensive literature review, two surveys, and two meetings at international conferences, culminating in a consensus meeting in 2019. Results: The final criteria reached consensus with more than 80% agreement on all parts and included: limited to people with NCD; symptoms persistent or frequently recurrent over at least 4 weeks, a change from the patient's usual behavior, and including one of the following: diminished initiative, diminished interest, or diminished emotional expression/responsiveness; causing significant functional impairment and not exclusively explained by other etiologies. Discussion: These criteria provide a framework for defining apathy as a unique clinical construct in NCD for diagnosis and further research.

Keywords

Apathy; Behavior; Cognition; Diagnostic criteria; Emotion; Motivation; Neurocognitive disorder (NCD); Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS)

Disciplines

Cognitive Neuroscience

Language

English

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