Effect of non-pharmacological intervention for apathy: response to one-on-one reminiscence-based intervention.
Apathy has adverse consequences for patients and caregivers. However, the therapeutic approach remains uncertain. Here, we present the case of a man aged 67 years who only developed apathy after surgery for oesophageal cancer. He showed no response to intervention with donepezil, a 'brain training' video game and psychoeducation for apathy. Subsequently, we implemented a programme designed to facilitate recall of 2 themes (editorial content and television shows during the week) once a week. After 3 months, the scores of 2 apathy scales rated by the patient's wife, psychological test scores and brain perfusion single-photon emission CT data improved compared with those obtained before intervention. These results may be attributable to activated 2-way communication as well as benefits of reminiscence therapy, as seen in patients with dementia. Further studies are needed to develop additional non-pharmacological interventions that activate 2-way communication for apathetic patients in ways appropriate to their interests and comorbidities.
Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neuropsychiatry, Nara Hospital, Kinki University, Ikoma, Japan.
Akira
A
Okada
Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neuropsychiatry, Nara Hospital, Kinki University, Ikoma, Japan.
Tetsuya
T
Ueda
D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D000368:Aged; D057565:Apathy; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales