Apathy is an important feature of Parkinson's disease

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A new survey shows that apathy and depression occur among patients with Parkinson's disease at a high level.
There is much more to Parkinson's disease than movement disorders. Depression is common too and, according to a new study at the University of Florida, so too is apathy. Lack of motivation, lack of interest and loss of drive are the common features of apathy - obviously these occur in depression too. But apathy and depression are not the same.

This study compared 80 people with Parkinson's disease with 20 who had dystonia, another movement disorder. Half of those with Parkinson's had apathy, compared to just 20 per cent with dystonia. Apathy without depression occurred with 29 per cent of the Parkinson's group and in none in the dystonia group. The researchers conclude that apathy is an important feature of Parkinson's disease. Treatments that might address apathy - and depression - in the Parkinson patient are now under evaluation.

Source
Neurology 11th July 2006