Treatment for apathy in a person with dementia

Compared with depression and anxiety there is less evidence about what treatments can help a person with dementia who has apathy.

Drugs only play a small part in treating apathy. Some people who take medication for Alzheimer’s disease or mixed dementia (for example donepezil, rivastigmine or galantamine) are more motivated and have better memory and concentration. A person with apathy may also be offered an antidepressant drug.

However, there isn’t much evidence that antidepressants help people with apathy who have Alzheimer’s disease, mixed dementia or vascular dementia. In fact, there is some evidence that these drugs make apathy worse.

Therefore non-drug approaches should generally be tried first. For example, music therapy, group art therapy, reminiscence and cognitive stimulation that are delivered by a trained professional can help. However, these therapies are not available everywhere. Contact your local dementia support worker or adult social services to find out what is available in your area.

People with dementia who have apathy may also benefit from doing general creative activities, such as music and art, rather than a specific therapy with a trained professional. Even if they find it difficult to take an active role in these activities, they can still benefit from being involved.

How to support a person with dementia who has apathy

  • Try to find tasks and activities the person will enjoy and find meaningful.
    — They may find it helpful to have a daily routine.
  • Break tasks down into simple steps.
    — They may find it easier to do several small steps rather than one big step.
    — This can also help them feel they are achieving things.
  • Gently prompt or help the person to start an activity, such as dressing.
    — Give lots of encouragement to keep them engaged, but try not to fuss over them.
    — Be positive and focus on what they have achieved.
  • Don’t blame the person for being ‘lazy’, unhelpful or uncaring.
    — The person is not choosing to have apathy.
    — If you feel frustrated, try to remain as calm as you can to avoid the person reacting negatively.