Self-reported initiation apathy is related to worse quality of life in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Nov 2025: New publication explores the links between apathy and quality of life.
Euan MacDonald Centre members have recently published research exploring links between apathy, or a lack of motivation in people with ALS and quality of life. The research found that when people with ALS rate themselves as experiencing a specific type of apathy, notably Initiation Apathy (lack of motivation for thinking of new things), this was linked to worse quality of life in specific areas. The areas reported were related to internal experiences (negative emotions), interacting with those around them and with their environment.
The research has helped further the understanding of quality of life for people living with ALS. Currently the customary practice is of gathering caregiver and family members views on behaviours such as apathy, both in clinical and research settings. This research emphasises the importance of exploring the direct experience of people living with ALS and how they rate their own behaviours.
The research was undertaken by Dr Ratko Radakovic, alongside Prof Sharon Abrahams, and in collaboration with researchers from the University of East Anglia and Pennsylvania State University.
Relevant links
Read the full publication online: Self-reported initiation apathy is related to worse quality of life in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (DOI:10.1080/21678421.2025.2574684)
Dr Ratko Radakovic profile
Prof Sharon Abrahams profile
The study was supported by MND Scotland and the MND Association.
Image credit: Taylor and Francis Online Journal