Title
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
Repository Citation
Miller, D.,
Robert, P.,
Ereshefsky, L.,
Adler, L.,
Bateman, D.,
Cummings, J.,
DeKosky, S.,
Fischer, C.,
Husain, M.,
Ismail, Z.,
Jaeger, J.,
Lerner, A.,
Li, A.,
Lyketsos, C.,
Manera, V.,
Mintzer, J.,
Moebius, H.,
Mortby, M.,
Meulien, D.,
Pollentier, S.,
Porsteinsson, A.,
Rasmussen, J.,
Rosenberg, P.,
Ruthirakuhan, M.,
Sano, M.,
Zucchero Sarracini, C.,
Lanctôt, K.
(2021).
Diagnostic Criteria for Apathy in Neurocognitive Disorders.
Alzheimer's and Dementia
1-13.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/alz.12358