Apathy describes a lack of interest, enthusiasm or motivation. It is a non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and interferes with the effective management of PD symptoms, since apathetic people are less inclined to exercise and follow their medication schedules. Here are some resources to understand apathy and how to cope with it.
Understanding Apathy in PD
Apathy
Published by Parkinson’s Foundation
This short webpage distinguishes between depression and apathy. It includes therapies and tips for living with apathy.
Ask the MD: Apathy and Parkinson’s Disease
Published by The Michael J. Fox Foundation, January 12, 2016
This post in the Foxfeed Blog explains apathy is a non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s disease, the symptoms, potential consequences, diagnosis, behavioral adjustments to help live with apathy and medication options.
Apathy and Parkinson’s Disease
By Dr. Rebecca Gilbert. Published by American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA), August 20, 2019
Apathy is a feeling of indifference or lack of interest or motivation in activities. It is a non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and can be frustrating for both the person with PD and for care partners, friends and family. It can occur along with, or mimic, depression or cognitive decline. Lifestyle changes that improve quality of life are outlined.
Apathy: How to Combat
By Maria De León, MD. Published by defeatparkinsons.com, January 30, 2017
Blogger Maria De León, retired neurologist and person with Parkinson's, distinguishes between apathy and indifference. Both require thorough evaluation by your physician or neurologist. Dr. De León includes treatment options for both.
Apathy and Parkinson’s Disease
Published by Parkinson’s Foundation, 2019
This two-page fact sheet explains there are three forms of apathy, that it is distinct from depression, and how it can be diagnosed. The fact sheet includes a brief discussion of research into a few medication treatment options, ongoing research to better understand apathy in PD and tips for coping with apathy.
Apathy vs. Depression
Apathy or Depression: Which One Is It?
By Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (Now the Parkinson's Foundation), June 14, 2016
This 68-minute audio lecture with coordinated slide presentation features Dawn Bowers, Ph.D., speaking on the differences and overlapping aspects of apathy and depression; the difficulty in diagnosing for people with Parkinson’s disease and treatments for both.
Apathy vs. Depression in Parkinson's Disease
By PMD Alliance, January 31, 2020
Movement disorders specialist Scott Sherman, MD, PhD, speaks for about 30 minutes about the DSM-IV criteria for apathy and depression to explain how doctors diagnose these disorders. Although apathy, depression, and fatigue (and pain) are distinct symptoms of PD, they do overlap, complicating the diagnostic process. He talks about treatment options for apathy and depression, including DBS. The last 20 minutes are Q&A.
Common signs of apathy and depression in Parkinson's patients
By Secret Life of Parkinson's, May 31, 2022
Episode 20 of this podcast is a 12-minute conversation between podcast hosts and people with young onset Parkinson's, Jessica Krauser and Brian Baker, about their experience of and the distinction between fatigue, depression, and apathy.
Deconstructing Apathy in Parkinson's Disease: Challenges in Isolating Core Components of Apathy From Depression, Anxiety, and Fatigue
By Christian Ineichen and Heide Baumann-Vogel. Published in Frontiers in Neurology, 26 August 2021.
The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of apathy, depression, anxiety and fatigue and whether these syndromes are separable in PD. Using confirmatory factor analysis, apathy could be separated from depression, anxiety and fatigue. Pure apathy, defined as loss of motivation and interest, could be dissociated from physical fatigue, loss of positive affect (anhedonia) and anxiety. This argues against the hypothesis that apathy might be a subcomponent of depression.
Treatment Strategies & Symptom Management
Rediscovering Motivation: Apathy Management and Coping Strategies
By American Parkinson Disease Association, January 17, 2024
In this 48-minute talk, occupational therapist Linda Tickle-Degnen, PhD, OTR/L, provides an overview of the biological, psychological, and social factors associated with motivation and apathy while living with PD. She shares tips and strategies on how to cope with and manage difficult symptoms of Parkinson’s that can create loss of motivation and apathy, and how to choose activities and routines that can help you rediscover motivation in daily life.
Addressing the Challenge of Apathy in Parkinson's
By Parkinson's Foundation, September 16, 2024
In this one-hour webinar, Aaron C. Malina, PhD, with Northwestern University helps listeners understand how apathy can impact Parkinson's symptom management, identify the difference between apathy and depression and when to be tested for depression, as well as ways to manage apathy symptoms.
Apathy and Parkinson’s Disease
By Heather Simpson. Published by University of Florida Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration College of Medicine, November 26, 2013
This short webpage provides specific tips to increase participation in needed and desired activities in spite of the symptoms of apathy.
Tips for Caregivers
Apathy and Parkinson’s
By Parkinson TV, July 25, 2018
This 30-minute episode of Parkinson TV (episode 4, season 2) is an interview of two professionals, a woman with PD and her spouse. The conversation distinguishes apathy from depression. The focus is on how apathy affects both the person with PD and those who care for them plus what can be done to overcome apathy and relieve caregiver burden. Five minutes are spent interviewing a neurologist in Spain for an international perspective of PD.
Webinar Notes on the Stanford PD Community Blog
Motivation and Parkinson’s disease: A discussion on Apathy & Impulsivity
By Parkinson Canada, February 4, 2021
In this 50-minute talk, psychiatrist Mateusz Zurowski, MD, walks listeners through the non-motor Parkinson's symptoms of apathy and impulsivity. He explains why people with Parkinson's experience apathy and shares what the patient, care partners, and the medical team can do to help.
Mental Health and Parkinson's
By Parkinson Society British Columbia, March 30, 2021
In this 1-hour talk, clinical counselor Courtney Doherty describes depression, anxiety, and apathy -- all common changes in mood in Parkinson’s disease (PD). And she provides extensive information for how these changes can be treated, particularly in non-pharmacological ways.
Last updated May 2025 by Stanford Parkinson's Community Outreach.
