Apathy is characterized by lack of motivation. We investigated the mechanisms underlying apathy in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), which is characterized by tau aggregate accumulations causing oxidative stress in the brain. Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy and tau positron emission tomography, we found associations of apathy levels with glutathione levels in the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), tau aggregate accumulation levels in the angular gyrus/PCC, and atrophy of the right inferior frontal gyrus and anterior cingulate cortex. The vulnerability of the anterior and posterior brain regions where apathy is related is suggested as possible underlying mechanisms for apathy in PSP.
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