Apathy and depression in amnestic and non-amnestic mild cognitive impairment

Introduction The information regarding neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with the main subtypes of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is inadequate. Indeed, it is unclear whether patients with amnestic MCI (aMCI) and those with non-amnestic MCI (naMCI) are characterized by a different behavioral profile and whether the decline in the activities of daily living (ADL) is different between the two groups. Therefore, the main aim of the study is to describe the behavioral and functional profile of the two MCI subgroups and to determine whether apathy and depression are associated with functional autonomy. Methods Sixty-eight patients with MCI were enrolled. Out of these, 37 were classified as aMCI while 31 as naMCI according to an extensive neuropsychological evaluation assessing memory, attention, executive functions, visuospatial abilities and language. Moreover, questionnaires assessing apathy, depression and functional autonomy were administered. Results aMCI patients showed more severe depressive symptoms when compared to naMCI ones, whereas no difference was found on apathy scores. The two subgroups achieved similar results in questionnaires assessing functional autonomy. Conclusion Our results supported the clinical utility of the amnestic and non-amnestic distinction since a different cognitive and behavioral profile characterized the two MCI subtypes and, as a consequence, different treatments are needed.