ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Background: Apathy is an important neuropsychiatric symptom in alcohol-related cognitive impairment in general, and Korsakoff's syndrome in specific. However, research in patients with Korsakoff's syndrome on the multifaceted nature of apathy is lacking. Objectives: Aim of the current study was to examine behavioral, cognitive and emotional apathy in alcoholic Korsakoff patients, also investigating the association with overall cognitive and executive dysfunction. Methods: We studied 43 patients with Korsakoff's syndrome (mean age 60.9, SD=6.5, range 38-70) using the Apathy Evaluation Scale - Informant Version (AES-I) and also administered the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Adult Version (BRIEF-A) as a measure of daily executive problems. Results: In our sample, 76% of the Korsakoff patients were classified as being apathetic. AES-I scores correlated with overall cognitive function and were related to observer-rated daily executive problems. Discussion: Apathy is highly prevalent in Korsakoff patients and related to overall cognitive dysfunction and everyday executive problems. Our results stress the need to further examine underlying mechanisms of apathy in Korsakoff patients and the need for interventions aimed at reducing apathy.
ABSTRACT
Stroke patients are often affected by psychological factors and neuropsychiatric disorders. Posl-stroke apathy syndrome can have a negative impact on the recovery of the patient's body,and reduce the quality of life of patients and increase the burden of care. However, current posl-stroke apathy syndrome is not fully recognized and is seriously underestimated. Therefore, in order to provide clinicians with assistance in the diagnosis and treatment of post-stroke apathy syndrome, this article reviews the conception,epidemiology,pathogenesis,diagnosis and management of post-stroke apathy syndrome.