Exploring the Impact of Dopaminergic Treatment on Creative Expression in Parkinson's Disease: A Scoping Review

Background/Objectives: Creativity is a complex cognitive process influenced by multiple factors, including neurobiological mechanisms and neurotransmitter regulation. In Parkinson's disease (PD), dopaminergic therapy has been associated with both increases and decreases in creative output, raising questions about its underlying mechanisms and clinical relevance. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines to evaluate studies assessing the effects of dopaminergic therapy on creativity in PD patients. The search was performed in January 2025 across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases using predefined search terms. Results: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, reporting mixed outcomes. Some found enhanced artistic expression and divergent thinking in patients treated with dopamine agonists, while others observed no significant change. Increased creativity appeared more common in individuals with pre-existing artistic tendencies rather than as a new emergence due to medication. Conclusions: Dopaminergic therapy may amplify pre-existing creative inclinations in PD patients but does not consistently induce creativity across individuals.