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. 

​Contacts

Email: panc@panctoday.org
Parkinson Association of Northern California
Mailing Address:  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)
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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
    • Recently Diagnosed
    • PD Carepartners
    • Clinical Trials
    • Exercise!
    • Helpful Resources
    • PD Webinars & Classes
    • Guide to Specialist
    • Local Transportation Information
    • Reflections from the Parkinson's Community
    • Articles
  • 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
    • Respite Care
    • Parkinsonwise
    • Parkinsonwise Trained Professionals
    • Rebuilding Together
    • Other PD Support Groups in CA
    • Shelter in place series
    • 2017 Conference Video
    • 2019 Conference
    • CA PD Registry 9/20 Conference Video
  • DONATE
  • Newsletter
  • Español
  • 2020 Conference
  • Other PD classes/events
    • Brian Grant Foundation 3/9 Gut Health 3/18 Advanced PD
    • Davis Phinney Foundation 2/16 Telemedicine 2/20 Newly Diagnosed-Victory Summit
    • Family Caregiver Alliance Webinair -Advance Care Planning 2-24-21
    • Michael J Fox Foundation 3/18 Brain Boost
    • Parkinson Voice Project
    • PD Active 3/13 Holistic Treatments PD
    • PMD Alliance ongoing classes
    • World Parkinson Coalition Feb-Mar programs-Sing-Along
  • PANC Events
    • Coming September 18, 2021 - 5th Annual Robert G Smith Walk to Cancel Out Parkinson's
    • Save the date-10/23/21 2021 PANC Annual Confernce