Diagnostic criteria for apathy in neurocognitive disorders. Issue 12 (5th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Miller, David S.; Robert, Philippe; Ereshefsky, Larry; Adler, Lawrence; Bateman, Daniel; Cummings, Jeff; DeKosky, Steven T.; Fischer, Corinne E.; Husain, Masud; Ismail, Zahinoor; Jaeger, Judith; Lerner, Alan J.; Li, Abby; Lyketsos, Constantine G.; Manera, Valeria; Mintzer, Jacobo; Moebius, Hans J.; Mortby, Moyra; Meulien, Didier; Pollentier, Stephane; Porsteinsson, Anton; Rasmussen, Jill; Rosenberg, Paul B.; Ruthirakuhan, Myuri T.; Sano, Mary; Zucchero Sarracini, Carla; Lanctôt, Krista L.
• Is Part Of: Alzheimer's & dementia. Volume 17:Issue 12(2021)
• Page Start: 1892
• Page End: 1904
• Publication Date: 2021-05-05
• Subjects: apathy -- behavior -- cognition -- diagnostic criteria -- emotion -- motivation -- neurocognitive disorder (NCD) -- neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS); Alzheimer's disease -- Periodicals; Alzheimer Disease -- Periodicals; Dementia -- Periodicals; Démence; Maladie d'Alzheimer; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 616.83
• DOI: 10.1002/alz.12358
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1552-5260

Abstract

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.