Many people who suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) experience mental health challenges, which can last for years. These difficulties may result from the brain injury itself or from the struggles of adjusting to daily life.

A recent study by Jefferson Health researchers looked at how depression and apathy affect older adults with TBI, shedding light on their impact on thinking skills and daily activities.

Depression vs. Apathy: What’s the Difference?

Dr. Amanda Rabinowitz, a brain injury researcher at Thomas Jefferson University, explains that while both conditions seem similar, they are actually quite different:

• Depression is marked by a loss of pleasure and interest in life.
• Apathy is a state of low motivation and disengagement from activities.

Both conditions have been seen in dementia and Parkinson’s disease, but little research has been done on apathy in people with TBI. Dr. Rabinowitz and her colleague, Dr. Umesh Venkatesan, set out to explore how these mental health conditions affect cognitive skills and daily functioning, especially social engagement.

Key Findings from the Study

The study, published in The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, found that:

• Apathy was linked to cognitive problems, especially in executive function—which includes working memory and attention control.
• Depression was linked to social withdrawal, with affected individuals less likely to take part in community activities.
• People with both apathy and depression had the worst overall functioning.

Why These Findings Matter

Understanding the effects of depression and apathy on older adults with TBI has important clinical implications. According to Dr. Rabinowitz, apathy could be a sign of brain injury progression and may even indicate the risk of developing dementia or cognitive decline. Recognizing these signs early could help doctors monitor neurological health more closely.

Treatment Challenges and Next Steps

While depression in people with brain injuries can be treated with therapy and medication, there is little guidance on how to treat apathy. If apathy is caused by brain damage, it may require different treatment strategies.

Dr. Rabinowitz emphasizes the need for more research:

“We need to know more. How closely can we tailor our treatments to the individual?”

This study highlights the importance of mental health care for older adults with TBI. More research could help develop better treatments, improving both cognitive function and quality of life for these individuals.

The research findings can be found in The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences.

Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.