PARKINSON ASSOCIATION OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
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Conquering Apathy
Suketu M. Khandhar, MD, Medical Director, KPNC Comprehensive Mvt Disorders Program
Dr. Beverly Chang, Geriatric Psychiatry, Private Practice
 ​
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​Apathy is not just the lack of motivation. Apathy doesn’t just occur out of hopelessness. Apathy is defined as the reduction in goal-oriented behavior as a result of lessened interest and lessened emotional response. It is often mistaken for depression but can occur independently in the context of neurologic disorders. Doctors are seeing more and more of this especially during these trying times.
Those with Parkinson’s disease are more susceptible to developing apathy. Once someone has apathy, they are less likely to feel motivated in doing anything, including things that are known to help improve symptoms or delay progression like exercise or being socially engaged.
Prolonged apathy can be a harbinger of further executive dysfunction and cognitive decline. This can be terribly frustrating to a loved one or a care partner who recognizes the apathy but feels powerless to help.
Here are a few things that you can do to help overcome apathy and not derail a patient.
  1. Recognize the symptoms of apathy and bring this to the attention of the neurologist or a mental health provider.
  2. Understand that one does not “choose” apathy, therefore try not to become angry with the affected individual or yourself.
  3. Consider trying to help motivate a patient by constructing a list of quantifiable GOALS rather than SYMPTOMS. For example, “my goal is to get back on the golf course” rather than “my goal is to reduce my tremors.”
  4. Try to keep a routine schedule of activities that provide sensory stimulation.
  5. Consider anti-depressant medications that elevate serotonin levels to treat any underlying mood issues that can exacerbate apathy.
  6. Socially Engage, Socially Engage, Socially Engage – via video or physically distanced when in-person – reach out to your local PANC support group. 


COVID-19: There is still limited information about the effects of COVID-19 specifically regarding Parkinson’s disease, having said that, given the frailty associated with Parkinson’s disease, it would be prudent to be cautious, prepared and follow the precautions recommended by public health departments/ CDC.   During these challenging times, it cannot be emphasized enough the need for all, PD community specifically and the
​community at large, to reach out to each other, offer support and assistance to those most vulnerable and share our resources.

​Our Mission

​​The Parkinson Association of Northern California is an organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with Parkinson's, their families, and care partners throughout our region. 

La Asociación de Parkinson del Norte de California se dedica a mejorar la vida de las personas con Parkinson, sus familias y los compañeros de cuidado. 

​Contacts

Email: panc@panctoday.org
Mailing Address:
Parkinson Association of Northern California
1024 Iron Point Road, #1046
​Folsom, CA 95630


Phone: (916) 357-6641
If you'd like more information please call the office 
(hours vary, so leave a message and we'll get back to you)
Para realizar una llamada a través de California Relay,
​sólo tiene que llamar al número de teléfono siguiente sin cargo: 

Español: 1-800-855-3000 
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Copyright © 2020 Parkinson Association of Northern California. All rights reserved.
​PANC is a 501(c)(3)   Tax ID #68-0372037
  • PANC Home
  • About Us
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors
    • Medical Advisory Panel
    • Privacy Policy
    • Annual Report & 990's
  • Contact Us
  • About Parkinson's
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Recently Diagnosed
    • PD Carepartners
    • Clinical Trials
    • Exercise!
    • Helpful Resources
    • PD Webinars & Classes
    • Guide to Specialist
    • Summer Heat and PD
    • Local Transportation Information
    • Reflections from the Parkinson's Community
    • Articles
  • Español
    • Sobre PANC
    • Clases y recursos
  • Ways to Support
    • Donate Online
    • Donate by Mail or Phone
    • Sponsorships
    • CAREPARTNER RESPITE SUPPORT
    • Be A Sustaining Donor
    • Planned Giving
    • AmazonSmile
    • Become a Support Group Facilitator
    • Other Ways to Give
  • Programs/Support Groups
    • Support Groups
    • Respite Care
    • Parkinsonwise
    • Parkinsonwise Trained Professionals
    • Rebuilding Together
    • Other PD Support Groups in CA
    • Shelter in Place Info series
    • Past Conference videos/info >
      • CA PD Registry 9/20 Conference Video
      • 2019 Videos
      • 2017 Conference Video
      • 2021 Conference
  • Newsletter
  • Other PD classes/events
    • Brian Grant Foundation May 2022 Classes
    • Davis Phinney Foundation 5/17 Medical Myths, 5/19 YOPD Council, 5/25 Trans/non-Binanry PwP, 6/24 Motor Symptoms
    • Family Caregiver Alliance Webinairs - May 2022
    • Michael J Fox Foundation 5/19/22 Understanding PD Genetics, Podcast Sex, Sleep Intimacy, PD IQ & You (on demand)
    • Parkinson 's Foundation Webinars, zoom mtgs
    • Parkinson Voice Project - Speech exercises Daily 8 AM Info session 2nd Tu
    • Shining Care-Redding CA Lunch and Learn events
    • PD Active 5/14 Annual Info Fair and Spring Gathering, 6/11 Speaker Forum, Brain Training class Zoom Calendar of exercise, dance, singing & speech classes
    • PMD Alliance May & Jun Classes
    • World Parkinson Coalition 2022 Research spotlight 5/25, 7/12, 9/13, 11/15/22 Sing-A-Long 6/8/22
  • PANC Events
    • Save the Date 8/19 & 20/2022 SG Facilitator Workshop
    • Save the Date 10/22/22 PANC Annual Education Conference
  • DONATE