Relationship between the type and side of motor symptoms with the prevalence of non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease

Abstract Introduction The relationship between laterality and asymmetry of Parkinson's disease and non-motor dysfunction has been studied mainly from the perspective of cognitive functions, and the few studies that have included other symptoms have mixed reports. The relationship between non-motor symptoms and the type of onset of the disease has not been studied in detail. Objective To analyse the association between the side and type of motor onset and the prevalence of non-motor symptoms. Patients and methods We included 232 patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Type of onset and the side initially affected were documented. The presence of non-motor symptoms was determined by applying the non-motor symptom questionnaire (NMSQuest). Results When analysing the side of onset and presence of each non-motor symptom explored, statistically significant differences were found in the frequency of hallucinations ( P =.04) and sleep behaviour disorder ( P Conclusions Subjects with right side onset seem to have a higher risk of having hallucinations and sleep behaviour disorders. These symptoms should be intentionally sought in order to provide treatment and improve the patient's quality of life.