Emotion and cognition in Parkinson’s disease: etiology and neurobiological mechanisms

This dissertation describes studies carried out into the neurobiological mechanisms and risk factors for mood symptoms and cognitive deficits in Parkinson’s disease. Although patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease showed emotional brain system abnormalities, the actual emotional experience was undisturbed. This may be an indication of a compensatory brain mechanism that could be important in the treatment of mood symptoms. Furthermore, a reduction in brain cell volume was found even in patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease with mild cognitive symptoms. Therefore, it is essential to monitor and treat these patients in an early stage. This dissertation also shows that the development of depression in patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease is associated with general risk factors for depression rather than disease-related aspects.