In a small group of patients with Alzheimer disease, methylphenidate was associated with decreases in apathy and improvement in other symptoms.
Characterized by indifference, lack of interest, and uninvolvement, apathy is often overlooked or misdiagnosed as depression and frequently occurs in patients with Alzheimer disease. Dopaminergic medications are often prescribed for this entity, but only a few studies demonstrate the efficacy of these drugs. This 12-week, open-label study involved 23 patients with Alzheimer disease and high levels of apathy, as rated by clinicians on the Apathy Evaluation Scale.
Most patients had co-occurring problems, such as irritability, agitation, depression, appetite disturbance, sleep disturbance, and anxiety. Methylphenidate was initiated at 5 mg twice daily and, after 2 weeks, was increased to 10 mg twice daily. Improvement in apathy was significant …
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresRoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)
DisclosuresRoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)