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PHILADELPHIA, PA – A new study from Jefferson Health researchers has shed light on the distinct ways that depression and apathy affect older adults living with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The findings, published in The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, highlight the importance of differentiating between these two common mental health issues in TBI patients, as they have varied impacts on cognitive function and daily activities.
Mental health challenges are frequently observed in individuals with TBI, often persisting for years. These issues can stem directly from the brain injury or arise from the difficulties patients face in managing everyday tasks. Researchers, led by Amanda Rabinowitz, MD, Ph.D., and Umesh Venkatesan, Ph.D., aimed to investigate the prevalence and effects of depression and apathy in older adults with TBI.
Dr. Rabinowitz clarified the key difference between the two conditions: “Depression is a loss of pleasure and interest in things, whereas apathy is a state of low motivation or a failure to engage in life activities.” While both conditions have been studied in relation to dementia and Parkinson’s disease, there has been limited research on apathy in TBI patients.
The study revealed that apathy was significantly associated with cognitive problems, particularly in executive functions such as working memory and attention control. Conversely, depression was linked to decreased participation in social activities. Individuals experiencing both apathy and depression exhibited poorer overall functioning.
“Awareness of these relationships has important clinical implications,” Dr. Rabinowitz stated. “For instance, some outcomes may signal a progression of brain injury in older adults. Further, if apathy is a consequence of an injured brain, then it may also be ‘a harbinger of other neurological changes that need tracking, such as dementia and cognitive decline.'”
The researchers also emphasized the need for tailored therapeutic approaches. While established treatments exist for depression, such as talk therapy and medication, there is a lack of clinical guidance for addressing apathy in TBI patients.
“We need to know more,” Dr. Rabinowitz said. “How closely can we tailor our treatments to the individual?”
The study underscores the importance of recognizing the distinct impacts of apathy and depression in older adults with TBI, potentially leading to more effective and personalized treatment strategies.
The study, titled “Apathy and Depression Among People Aging With Traumatic Brain Injury: Relationships to Cognitive Performance and Psychosocial Functioning,” was authored by Umesh M. Venkatesan et al. and published in The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences (2024). DOI: 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.20230082.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information provided in the referenced research paper. While the findings are significant, it is important to understand that this is one study, and further research is necessary to fully understand the relationship between TBI, apathy, and depression. This information should not be interpreted as medical advice. Individuals with TBI or concerns about mood and cognition should consult with a qualified healthcare professional for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
