NEGATIVE SYMPTOMS IN ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE

Objective: This study was undertaken to demonstrate that negative symp toms are prominent in patients with Alzheimer's disease and are distin ct from depression. Method: Patients with Alzheimer's disease (N=24) a nd a group of cognitively intact older adults (N=26) were compared in terms of scores on the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms i n Alzheimer's Disease. Results: Negative symptoms were more severe in the patients with Alzheimer's disease than in the healthy elderly comp arison subjects. Among the patients with Alzheimer's disease, negative symptoms were correlated with dementia severity. Conclusions: Patient s with Alzheimer's disease display little interest in self-care, work and household tasks, social and family activities, and emotional needs of others, despite an absence of depressive symptoms, positive sympto ms, comorbid systemic illnesses, or medication exposure. Stich negativ e symptoms may contribute to functional disability and thus complicate management of such patients.