Levodopa inhibits habit-learning in Parkinson’s disease

J Neural Transm (Vienna). 2014 Feb;121(2):147-51. doi: 10.1007/s00702-013-1081-2.

Abstract

Mixed dopaminergic medication, comprising dopamine agonists and levodopa, may affect habit-learning in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the specific impact of levodopa on this effect is unknown. We assessed habit-learning in 20 non-demented PD-patients both with and without levodopa. We observed intact habit-learning in PD-patients OFF-medication. In contrast, the administration of 200 mg of levodopa impaired habit-learning. We conclude that potential deficits in habit-learning in PD may be attributed to the intake of levodopa.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antiparkinson Agents / adverse effects*
  • Association Learning / drug effects
  • Choice Behavior / drug effects
  • Cues
  • Ecosystem*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Learning Disabilities / chemically induced*
  • Learning Disabilities / diagnosis
  • Levodopa / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antiparkinson Agents
  • Levodopa