Apathy as Non-Motor Manifestation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Abstract Although the term of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is often used interchangeably with motor neuron disease, ALS universally accepted as a multisystem disorder. Cognitive impairment an acknowledged feature ALS, affecting language, memory and behaviour, apathy considered to be prevalent behavioural alteration in ALS. It can divided three subtypes: executive, emotional initiation apathy. Out subtypes, common among patients Even that do not meet criteria for frontotemporal dementia, low-key neuropsychiatric cognitive changes observed. Apathy has also been found systematically associated disruptions medial frontal cortex subcortical structures several neuroimaging studies confirm pre-existing brain lesions early stages this disease. Thus, there growing body evidence signs symptoms are accompanied or even preceded by alterations, screening non-motor clinically relevant.