Experiences and understanding of apathy in people with neurocognitive disorders and their carers: a qualitative interview study.
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ABSTRACT: Background
apathy, defined as reduced goal-directed activity, interests and emotion, is highly prevalent in neurocognitive disorders (NCDs). Apathy has important consequences for the individuals who experience it and their carers, yet the lived experiences of apathy in this population are not well understood.Objective
to explore how people with NCDs and their carers understand and experience apathy.Method
in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted in participants' homes. Sixteen people with NCDs (dementia or mild cognitive impairment) and 14 carers, living in four geographical areas of England, took part. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.Results
four themes were generated: 'Apathy is Poorly Understood'; 'Too much trouble: Mediating Effort and Outcome'; 'Preserving Identity in the Face of Loss of Capability and Autonomy' and 'Opportunity and Exclusion'.Conclusion
apathy is experienced as an understandable response to the everyday struggle people with NCDs face to preserve identity in the face of threats to capability and autonomy and is exacerbated by the lack of support and opportunities. Social and environmental modifications may help reduce apathy. In line with previous qualitative research, this challenges the dominant view of apathy as a neuropsychiatric symptom that excludes the social-environmental context.
SUBMITTER: Burgon C
PROVIDER: S-EPMC10024892 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Experiences and understanding of apathy in people with neurocognitive disorders and their carers: a qualitative interview study.
Burgon Clare C Goldberg Sarah S van der Wardt Veronika V Harwood Rowan H RH
Age and ageing 20230301 3
<h4>Background</h4>apathy, defined as reduced goal-directed activity, interests and emotion, is highly prevalent in neurocognitive disorders (NCDs). Apathy has important consequences for the individuals who experience it and their carers, yet the lived experiences of apathy in this population are not well understood.<h4>Objective</h4>to explore how people with NCDs and their carers understand and experience apathy.<h4>Method</h4>in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted in participants' ...[more]
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