Apathy is one of the most distressing symptoms faced by individuals with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a condition that impairs social, cognitive, and emotional functions. Patients may withdraw from daily activities, lose interest in loved ones, and struggle with language and decision-making. However, a recent Canadian-led clinical trial has uncovered hope in the form of an oxytocin nasal spray that significantly improved apathy scores in patients with FTD over a six-week period.
Study Overview and Results
The trial, led by Dr. Elizabeth Finger, a professor at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University in London, Ontario, involved 70 patients diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. Participants were randomized to receive varying doses of oxytocin nasal spray. Caregivers who spent at least three hours daily with the patients monitored their symptoms using a standardized neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI) questionnaire.
Researchers found that patients who received 72 international units of oxytocin every third day showed significant improvements in apathy scores compared to the placebo group. While these changes were categorized as mild, they were noticeable to caregivers, who shared positive feedback. Some examples included patients initiating conversations with family members or performing small but meaningful gestures, like making coffee for a spouse.
“These small actions, although subtle, bring remarkable changes to a caregiver’s daily life,” said Kristy Coleman, lead author of the study and research operations lead at Western University’s Lawson Research Institute.
Treatment Safety and Future Research
The nasal spray was found to be safe and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects. Reported adverse events, such as mild respiratory infections and headaches, were equally common in both the oxytocin and placebo groups, indicating that they were unrelated to the oxytocin treatment.
While this trial marks a significant milestone, researchers suggest further studies to evaluate higher doses and alternative formulations to potentially enhance the therapeutic effects.
“This is an exciting step forward in having specific treatments for neuropsychiatric symptoms of FTD,” Dr. Finger said in a press release from Western University.
Implications for FTD Treatment
Currently, treatment options for frontotemporal dementia are limited, particularly for managing neuropsychiatric symptoms like apathy. This trial’s results offer new hope for improving the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers.
At Pill4me Pharmacy, we believe in staying up to date with cutting-edge research to better serve our patients. If you or someone you know is affected by dementia or other neurological conditions, speak to our pharmacists about how we can support your health care needs.
References
1. Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University. (2025). Oxytocin nasal spray improves apathy in frontotemporal dementia.
2. Finger, E. et al. (2025). Oxytocin improves apathy scores in frontotemporal dementia: Phase 2 clinical trial results. Published in Lancet Neurology.
3. Canadian Institutes for Health Research, Weston Family Foundation – Clinical trial funding sources.
4. Coleman, K., Lawson Research Institute. (2025). Press release regarding clinical trial outcomes.