• Symptoms of Parkinson's disease

  • Motor symptoms
  • Non-motor symptoms
  • Constipation
  • Sweating
  • Pain
  • Speech and facial expression
  • Sleep and fatigue
  • Sense of smell
  • Mood and behaviour
  • Apathy
  • Anxiety
  • Thought and memory

• Treatment Options

• PD: What you need to know

Apathy

Apathy is a lack of interest or motivation for daily life that may be seen in PD, and which is closely related to depression and other mood changes. Apathy may be caused by the chemical changes occurring in PD itself, or may be a reaction to coping with the PD diagnosis and any associated lifestyle changes.

Apathy can have a significant impact on life for both the person with PD, and the people surrounding them, but is often not reported to the doctor as a symptom, as it is not seen as a ‘medical problem’. However, as for all mood-related conditions, an approach of support, carefully selected therapies, and counselling can offer relief once the problem is recognized.