Pearls of Wisdom: Apathy in Alzheimer Disease

Jonathan, a 78-year-old man with Alzheimer disease of 5 years' duration, has progressively become more apathetic. He is not depressed and has no comorbidities or medications that might explain his apathy.

Which treatment might improve his apathy?

A. Droxidopa (Northera)
B. Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
C. Tea tree oil
D. High-dose vitamin D

What is the correct answer?
(Answer and discussion on next page)

Louis Kuritzky, MD, has been involved in medical education since the 1970s. Drawing upon years of clinical experience, he has crafted each year for almost 3 decades a collection of items that are often underappreciated by clinicians, yet important for patients. These “Pearls of Wisdom” often highlight studies that may not have gotten traction within the clinical community and/or may have been overlooked since their time of publishing, but warrant a second look.

Now, for the first time, Dr Kuritzky is sharing with the Consultant360 audience. Sign up today to receive new advice each week.

Jonathan, a 78-year-old man with Alzheimer disease of 5 years' duration, has progressively become more apathetic. He is not depressed and has no comorbidities or medications that might explain his apathy.

Which treatment might improve his apathy?

A. Droxidopa (Northera)
B. Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
C. Tea tree oil
D. High-dose vitamin D

What is the correct answer?
(Answer and discussion on next page)

Louis Kuritzky, MD, has been involved in medical education since the 1970s. Drawing upon years of clinical experience, he has crafted each year for almost 3 decades a collection of items that are often underappreciated by clinicians, yet important for patients. These “Pearls of Wisdom” often highlight studies that may not have gotten traction within the clinical community and/or may have been overlooked since their time of publishing, but warrant a second look.

Now, for the first time, Dr Kuritzky is sharing with the Consultant360 audience. Sign up today to receive new advice each week.