Cogmotiv is a privately held, early-stage biotech company based in Vienna, Austria, dedicated to addressing apathy in dementia – one of the most disabling and und prevalent symptoms of the disease.
We bring together scientific rigor, translational experience and execution-focused leadership to move discovery efficiently from research to clinical development, with a strong commitment to patient impact and unmet medical needs.
Understanding Apathy in Dementia
Apathy is one of the most common and most overlooked symptoms of dementia. It is not simply a lack of interest, laziness or depression.
Apathy reflects a loss of motivation that makes it difficult for people to initiate and engage in everyday life.
Manifestation of apathy
People living with apathy may stop initiating conversations, withdraw from social interaction or abandon activities they once enjoyed. Importantly, many do not feel sad or distressed. They may understand what is happening around them, but lack the internal drive to act.
The impact of apathy extends far beyond reduced activity.
It accelerates functional decline, limits participation in cognitive, physical and social life and reduces the effectiveness of rehabilitation and care.
For caregivers, apathy is deeply distressing, as it erodes connection and increases emotional and practical burden. It is also a major drive of healthcare use and early loss of independence.
Despite its prevalence and consequences, there are currently no approved treatments for apathy in dementia. Existing off-label options provide inconsistent benefits and are often limited by safety and tolerability concerns in older populations.
Clinical Impact and Disease Burden
Apathy significantly impacts both, patients and caregivers:
- Impairs life quality and daily functioning
- Accelerates cognitive and functional decline in patients
- Correlates with poor disease prognosis
- Leads to early institutionalization
- Increases caregiver distress and burden
- Each step up in apathy severity translates into increased care needs
- Leads to the enormous financial burden
Unmet Medical Need -Facts & Figures
NO
140M
Apathy is one of the most prevalent and impactful neuropsychiatric symptoms
>33M
60%
Patients with dementia are affected