title: Multidimensional model of apathy in older adults using partial least squares--path modeling.
abstract: Apathy defined as a mental state characterized by a lack of goal-directed behavior is prevalent and associated with poor functioning in older adults. The main objective of this study was to identify factors contributing to the distinct dimensions of apathy (cognitive, emotional, and behavioral) in older adults without dementia. One hundred and fifty participants (mean age, 80.42) completed self-rated questionnaires assessing apathy, emotional distress, anticipatory pleasure, motivational systems, physical functioning, quality of life, and cognitive functioning. Data were analyzed using partial least squares variance-based structural equation modeling in order to examine factors contributing to the three different dimensions of apathy in our sample. Overall, the different facets of apathy were associated with cognitive functioning, anticipatory pleasure, sensitivity to reward, and physical functioning, but the contribution of these different factors to the three dimensions of apathy differed significantly. More specifically, the impact of anticipatory pleasure and physical functioning was stronger for the cognitive than for emotional apathy. Conversely, the impact of sensibility to reward, although small, was slightly stronger on emotional apathy. Regarding behavioral apathy, again we found similar latent variables except for the cognitive functioning whose impact was not statistically significant. Our results highlight the need to take into account various mechanisms involved in the different facets of apathy in older adults without dementia, including not only cognitive factors but also motivational variables and aspects related to physical disability. Clinical implications are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Epsylon Laboratory Dynamic of Human Abilities & Health Behaviors, University of Montpellier 3, Montpellier, France. stephraffard@hotmail.com.|University Department of Adult Psychiatry, Hôpital de la Colombière, CHRU Montpellier, Montpellier-1 University, Montpellier, France. stephraffard@hotmail.com.|Laboratory Epsylon, EA 4556, 1 University Department of Adult Psychiatry, Montpellier University 3, 39 Avenue Charles Flahault, 34295, Montpellier Cedex 5, France. stephraffard@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Stéphane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Raffard
authors.affiliation: Epsylon Laboratory Dynamic of Human Abilities & Health Behaviors, University of Montpellier 3, Montpellier, France.|University Department of Adult Psychiatry, Hôpital de la Colombière, CHRU Montpellier, Montpellier-1 University, Montpellier, France.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bortolon
authors.affiliation: University Department of Adult Psychiatry, Hôpital de la Colombière, CHRU Montpellier, Montpellier-1 University, Montpellier, France.
authors.forename: Marianna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Burca
authors.affiliation: Epsylon Laboratory Dynamic of Human Abilities & Health Behaviors, University of Montpellier 3, Montpellier, France.
authors.forename: Marie-Christine
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Gely-Nargeot
authors.affiliation: University Department of Adult Psychiatry, Hôpital de la Colombière, CHRU Montpellier, Montpellier-1 University, Montpellier, France.|INSERM U-1061, Montpellier, France.
authors.forename: Delphine
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Capdevielle
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D057565:Apathy; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006801:Humans; D016018:Least-Squares Analysis; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Anticipatory pleasure; Apathy; Older adults; Partial least squares; Path modeling; Physical ability