Apathie : point sur un syndrome psychogériatrique incontournable

Apathy is a durable reduction of motivation, reactivity, as well as intentional and goal-oriented behaviors. It withholds specific diagnostic criteria that are unable to distinguish it from depression. Different scales are available for its diagnosis, including the Apathy Evaluation Scale and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. It originates, in particular, from several frontal area injuries. Its prevalence depends on the aetiology of dementia, its stage and the chosen evaluation scale, but it is, on the whole, the most common psychobehavioral symptom at the stage of dementia, and the second at the stage of mild cognitive impairment. It is associated with a deficit in executive functions and attention, it accelerates cognitive decline and increases caregivers' burden. Its treatment is based upon non-pharmacological measures and anticholinesterase drugs.