The prevalence of apathy in Lewy body dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Yu, JJ; Chin, KS; Loveland, PM; Churilov, L; Loi, SM; Yassi, N; Watson, R

Author(s): Yu, JJ; Chin, KS; Loveland, PM; Churilov, L; Loi, SM; Yassi, N; Watson, R;
Details: Publication Year 2025-07,Volume 21,Issue #7,Page e70425
Journal Title: Alzheimer’s & Dimentia
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Apathy is an important syndrome in Lewy body dementia (LBD), although reported prevalences vary. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of apathy in LBD through systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Five databases were searched for articles reporting the prevalence of apathy in LBD (dementia with Lewy bodies [DLB] and Parkinson's disease dementia [PDD]) and prodromal/mild cognitive impairment (MCI) LBD. Linear mixed model random effect meta-analysis was performed to determine the prevalence of apathy. RESULTS: Of 7846 articles identified, 49 met inclusion criteria. The average pooled prevalence of apathy was 57% (95% confidence interval [CI] 52%-63%, I(2) = 85.6%) in DLB, 56% (95% CI 43%-70%, I(2) = 97.6%) in PDD, 46% (95% CI 32%-61%, I(2) = 90.6%) in Lewy body-MCI, and 38% (95% CI 25%-50%, I(2) = 88.1%) in Parkinson's disease-MCI. DISCUSSION: Apathy affects more than half of individuals with LBD. The high prevalence in prodromal DLB supports the notion that apathy may assist in more timely and accurate diagnosis of DLB. HIGHLIGHTS: Reported apathy prevalence in Lewy body dementia (LBD) varies widely in the existing literature. The pooled prevalence of apathy was > 50% in LBD and > 40% in prodromal disease stages. Apathy may have utility in earlier, more accurate diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies.
Publisher: Wiley
Keywords: Humans; *Lewy Body Disease/psychology/epidemiology; *Apathy/physiology; Prevalence; Cognitive Dysfunction/psychology; Parkinson Disease/psychology; Lewy body dementia; Parkinson's disease dementia; apathy; behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia; neuropsychiatric symptoms; prodromal dementia with Lewy bodies; systematic review
Research Division(s): Genetics and Gene Regulation
PubMed ID: 40611439
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.70425
Open Access at Publisher's Site: https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.70425
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

Creation Date: 2026-01-22 10:03:40

Last Modified: 2026-01-22 10:03:53