Apathy

Apathy is a lack of enthusiasm, interest, or motivation for things you used to enjoy, and it is a common non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s.

Apathy can be challenging but is manageable through optimising your medications, staying social and continuing to do the things you used to do.

Apathy & lack of motivation in Parkinson’s

Apathy is a common non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s disease, affecting up to 40% of individuals living with the condition. It is characterised by a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or motivation, which can significantly impact daily life and relationships. Unlike depression, apathy is not associated with feelings of sadness or guilt but rather a general emotional flatness and difficulty initiating activities.

Why addressing apathy matters

Apathy can interfere with effective management of Parkinson’s, as people may struggle to stick to medication schedules, maintain physical activity, or engage in social interactions. This can lead to a decline in overall health and wellbeing.

Strategies for managing apathy

While there are no specific medications approved for treating apathy, structured activities, social engagement, and regular exercise can help. Care partners play a crucial role in recognising apathy and encouraging their loved ones to seek support from their care team.

By understanding apathy as a symptom of Parkinson’s, you and your friends and family can take step to ensure you stay engaged and active in doing the things you love.

Key Statistics

Approximately 40% of people with Parkinson’s experience apathy at some stage (Parkinson’s Foundation, n.d.).
People with apathy spend significantly less time engaging in hobbies and social activities, with one study showing they spend twice as much time watching television compared to those without apathy.
Around 50% of individuals with Parkinson’s experience depression, and many may have both apathy and depression, which can exacerbate motor and cognitive symptoms.
Apathy manifests in three forms—cognitive (loss of interest in new things), emotional (reduced emotional response), and behavioural (difficulty initiating activities).

Infosheet under review

References:

Seppi K, Ray Chaudhuri K, Coelho M, Fox SH, Katzenschlager R, Perez Lloret S, Weintraub D, Sampaio C; the collaborators of the Parkinson’s Disease Update on Non-Motor Symptoms Study Group on behalf of the Movement Disorders Society Evidence-Based Medicine Committee. Update on treatments for nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease-an evidence-based medicine review. Mov Disord. 2019 Feb;34(2):180-198. doi: 10.1002/mds.27602. Epub 2019 Jan 17. Erratum in: Mov Disord. 2019 May;34(5):765. doi: 10.1002/mds.27684. PMID: 30653247; PMCID: PMC6916382.

Steffens DC, Fahed M, Manning KJ, Wang L. The neurobiology of apathy in depression and neurocognitive impairment in older adults: a review of epidemiological, clinical, neuropsychological and biological research. Transl Psychiatry. 2022 Dec 26;12(1):525. doi: 10.1038/s41398-022-02292-3. PMID: 36572691; PMCID: PMC9792580.

Zhou Z, Müller MLTM, Kanel P, Chua J, Kotagal V, Kaufer DI, Albin RL, Frey KA, Bohnen NI. Apathy rating scores and β-amyloidopathy in patients with Parkinson disease at risk for cognitive decline. Neurology. 2020 Jan 28;94(4):e376-e383. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000008683. Epub 2019 Nov 15. PMID: 31732566; PMCID: PMC7079689.