APATHY: A POSSIBLE EARLY SIGN OF DEMENTIA. The affected person may reduce their usual social and other activities and sometimes be less concerned about their personal care. They may also have difficulties planning and carrying out more than the most simple activities without prompting. None of these behaviours need to be a matter of concern unless they represent a change for that person. Apathy can challenge the person’s family and professional carers/caregivers who may think that the person is depressed (another cause of apparent apathy), or obstinate, or uncooperative. A person with dementia might be incorrectly blamed for the illness – because they have not maintained or increased physical or mental (cognitive) exercise and/or social stimulation. Apathy can occur in several forms of dementia such as Frontotemporal Dementia, Vascular Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. The link below connects to a useful, practical article about apathy – from the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration – but can be applied to other forms of dementia.
Chapter 5 in my book is devoted to ‘The faulty starter motor – apathy or abulia’
https://www.theaftd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/PinFTDcare_Newsletter_Winter_2018.pdf