Mapping Apathy in Alzheimer
Dr. Liana G. Apostolova, Los Angeles, CA, United States, Dr. Ivaylo
Dinov, Los Angeles, CA, United States, Dr. Arthur Toga, Los Angeles,
CA, United States and Dr. Jeffrey L Cummings, Los Angeles, CA,
United States.
Objective: To compare the regional
cortical atrophy pattern of Alzheimer's
disease (AD)
subjects with and without apathy.
Background: AD is the
most common cortical dementia. Along with declining cognition,
patients invariably experience neuropsychiatric symptoms that
frequently predate the cognitive decline. The behavioral symptoms
are commonly more disturbing to the caregivers than the cognitive
decline itself. They contribute significantly to the emotional and
sociaoeconomical burden of AD. Apathy is the most common
neuropsychiatric symptom in AD. Only few neuroimaging studies have
investigated its anatomical correlation.
Design/Methods:
Retrospective cross-sectional descriptive analysis of previously
acquired MRI data from AD subjects as part of their evaluation ot
the ADRC, UCLA. The subjects are selected based on valid informed
consent, in accordance to preset inclusion and exclusion criteria
and matched for age, education and MMSE scores. Structural
variability in the cortical density patterns is assessed by
statistical parametric mapping methods. Descriptive statistical
analysis of the cortical atrophy pattern, intergroup comparison
using two tailed ANOVA and inferential statistical analysis for
association among variables was executed.
Results:
Significant regional diferences in the cortical atropfhy pattern
was found in selected cortical regions.
Conclusions: We
found significant correlation between atrophy in selected cortical
subregions and apathy in AD. Our findings contribute to a better
understanding of the pathophysiology of apathy in AD. They can be
used as primary or secondary outcome measures in future therapeutic
trials.
Study supported by (if applicable):
Financial Relationship Disclosure:
Dr. Apostolova has nothing to disclose.