A groundbreaking study from the University of Geneva and Geneva University Hospitals suggests that the side of the body first affected by Parkinson’s disease—right or left—can predict whether patients may face cognitive decline or psychiatric symptoms as the condition progresses. Published in *npj Parkinson’s Disease*, the findings could help doctors customize treatment based on a patient’s specific disease profile.
Parkinson’s, an age-related neurological disorder, typically begins with motor symptoms like tremors, rigidity, and slow movement on one side of the body. Non-motor symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, sleep issues, and cognitive changes, often follow. The study, led by postdoctoral researcher Philippe Voruz, analyzed 80 studies spanning five decades up to April 2025, examining disease duration, initial symptoms, treatments, and psychiatric assessments.
The research revealed that patients with right-sided motor symptoms face a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia, while those with left-sided symptoms are more prone to psychiatric conditions like depression, anxiety, and impaired emotional recognition. “This factor allows us to anticipate and guide patients toward targeted therapies,” Voruz said.
Also Read: The Future of AI Unveiled: How Artificial Intelligence is Reshaping Our World
The study is the first to link brain lateralization—whether the right or left hemisphere is initially affected—to both motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s. For instance, right-sided onset (linked to left-brain dysfunction) correlates with cognitive issues due to the left hemisphere’s role in language and memory, while left-sided onset (right-brain dysfunction) ties to emotional and psychiatric challenges.
Despite the insights, the researchers noted inconsistencies in the methodologies of the reviewed studies, preventing definitive meta-analytic conclusions. Nonetheless, the findings underscore the importance of early symptom identification to improve patient outcomes through personalized care, potentially transforming how Parkinson’s is managed globally.
Also Read: Clinic Dermatech Crowned India’s Top Skin & Hair Clinic for Third Straight Year!