Spatial neglect syndrome in patients with Parkinson’s disease

Spatial neglect is a complex neuropsychological syndrome, which is typically associated with damage to the parietal or frontal regions. While extensively studied in stroke patients, its occurrence in Parkinson’s disease (PD) has received limited attention. With the present thesis, we examined the presence and characteristics of Spatial neglect in PD patients, by focusing on its relations with motor asymmetry, cognitive deficits, and disease severity. Through the reviewed comprehensive behavioral assessments and neuroimaging analyses, we summarized the presence of subtle yet significant spatial biases in PD, particularly during the advanced stages of the disease. We further explored the involvement of basal nuclei dysfunction and dopaminergic deficits in the onset of Spatial neglect syndrome, providing insights into its neurobiological basis. The reviewed findings suggest that Spatial neglect in PD may be underdiagnosed. Therefore,Spatial neglect contributes to impaired mobility, reduced independence, and increased risk of injury of the patients. We highlight the need for incorporating spatial attention evaluations into routine PD care and for developing targeted therapies to mitigate its impact on PD patient outcomes.