Ninjin'yoeito (Tsumura) Extract; a Kampo (traditional herbal medicine) Improved Apathy in a Mild Cognitive Impairment Patient

Abstract

Apathy, characterized by lack of motivation and loss of initiative, is a common symptom with all forms of dementia. The traditional Japanese medicine: Ninjin'yoeito (NYT) has been reported to improve anemia, fatigue, loss of appetite, and anorexia in patients with Alzheimer's disease. We reported here the case of a 71-year-old female with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and apathy. NYT improved her apathy symptoms effectively, without any adverse effects, including cognitive decline. Our findings suggest that apathy symptoms in MCI patients can be improved without prescribing cholinesterase inhibitors.