Background: Dopamine neurotransmission plays a key role in several brain activities, including motor, cognitive, and behavioral functions. Parkinson's disease (PD) typically begins with asymmetrical motor features related to asymmetrical dopamine denervation. This study was designed to examine whether distinct cognitive, behavioral, and personality features are related to this asymmetry.
Methods: Fifty-six patients with mild PD and lateralized motor features were grouped according to dominant side of motor features and evaluated using a neuropsychological assessment focused on attention and executive functions, impulse control disorders, and personality inventory.
Results: There were no differences in neuropsychological functions between patients with right and left lateralized PD, but differences occurred in personality features. Patients with motor impairment predominant on the left-hand side had prevalence of hypomania and conversion profile.
Conclusions: This study suggests that side dominance of dopaminergic denervation may be related to personality features in patients with PD that could influence behavioral aspects.
© 2010 The Author(s). European Journal of Neurology © 2010 EFNS.