Apathy is a lack of feeling, emotion or interest about things. It is a common consequence of stroke, and is very disabling for patients and their families. People affected by apathy experience diminished drive, drop many of their previous interests and activities, and engage less with therapy. In previous studies we have shown that depression and apathy are common in SVD and that they have a major impact on quality of life. We have been funded by a Stroke Association Priority Programme Grant to further this work, looking in why apathy occurs after stroke and how we can better treat it.

As part of this programme we are carrying out a new study, the Apathy after Stroke study,  in which we are  following-up 200 patients with stroke from the time of their stroke to a year after their stroke. We measure apathy and mood symptoms at a number of times over this year, as well as cognitive function, and physical recovery from stroke. We also carry out MRI scans of the brain. The study will give is more information on how common apathy is after stroke, and why it occurs in some people but not in others.

The Apathy after Stroke Study is funded by the Stroke Association