Behavioral disorders in Parkinson's disease: the role of dopamine

Abstract

Dopaminergic neurons play a major role in controlling movement and behavior. In Parkinson's disease (PD), dopaminergic denervation is responsible for a number of motor and non-motor symptoms including tremor, rigidity and akinesia and as well apathy, impulsivity and other behavioral complications frequently reported in these patients. In this review, we will summarize the possible proposed dopaminergic mechanisms responsible for these complications in PD, focusing mainly on the role of this neurotransmitter in behavioral symptoms.

Keywords: Behavioral disorder; Dopamine; Impulsivity; Neuroimaging.