Apathy and outcome after stroke
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Apathy and outcome of the stroke and its relationship to cerebral small vessel disease
IRAS ID
211282
Contact name
Hugh S. Markus
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Cambridge
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Research Summary
We are carrying out this study to find out if stroke-related apathy predicts poorer recovery one year after stroke. In the study we will also test if radiological symptoms of small vessel disease, a disease of small blood vessels in the brain, mediates the relationship between apathy and poorer functional outcome or diminished quality of life after stroke. In a sub-group of patients we will use a more advanced MRI scan to investigate how stroke results in apathy.
This study focuses on individuals with ischemic stroke.
Recruited participants will be over 18 years old. They will have all types of ischemic stroke. Where possible we will seek to recruit their carers to provide information about participant’s apathy.
Patients will be recruited from two stroke clinics.
Participants will take part in four assessments. Individuals participating in the advanced imaging sub-study will participate in five assessments. All assessments will be performed within a year from stroke. All participants will complete questionnaires about mood, apathy, level of disability, quality of life. During some of the assessments they will participate in standardized cognitive testing and will have clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Individuals participating in advanced imaging sub-study will have a more detailed advanced MRI.
Summary of Results
Apathy is a common symptom in patients with stroke. People affected by apathy usually experience diminished motivation and emotion, and drop many of their previous interests and activities. The ‘Apathy and Outcome after Stroke’ study was carried out to find out if stroke-related apathy predicts poorer recovery one year after stroke.
The study was funded by the Stroke Association and sponsored by University of Cambridge. Service stroke user groups were consulted and their input was used to design this study.
The study took place in three acute stroke services in the East of England between February 2017 and April 2023. Individuals over 18 years old who experienced an ischemic stroke were invited to take part. Where possible, carers were recruited to provide information about participant’s apathy.
Participants took part in four assessments within a year from stroke. Participants completed questionnaires about mood, apathy, level of disability, quality of life. During some of the assessments they participated in cognitive testing and had a clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
Out of 200 participants recruited, 165 completed the assessment one year after stroke. In addition, 117 carers took part in the study.
Results from the study show that apathy tends to increase after stroke and is present in about 23% of patients after one year.
Patients with less apathy seem to have better quality of life and less disability after one year. Similarly, patients with less depression after stroke seem to have a better outcome after one year.
We found no clear associations between apathy and the brain region affected by stroke.
This study helped researchers, clinicians, and patients better understand the course of apathy symptoms and its effect on recovery after stroke. To find better apathy treatments we are now conducting a study to see if apathy has a negative effect on carers quality of life.REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/EE/0333
Date of REC Opinion
5 Oct 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion