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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
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Dynamic Digital Biomarkers of Motor and Cognitive Function in Parkinson's Disease
Published on: July 24, 2019
Creative thinking in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Laura Colautti1, Sara Magenes2,3,4, Francesco Pagnini2
1Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli, 1, 20123, Milan, Italy. laura.colautti1@unicatt.it.
Summary
Divergent thinking skills in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients on dopaminergic medication were comparable to healthy individuals. This suggests divergent thinking may be preserved in PD, potentially aiding cognitive function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Movement Disorders
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) affects cognitive functions, including creativity.
- Dopaminergic treatment in PD may influence artistic drive.
- Creative thinking relies on executive functions and memory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate divergent thinking skills in PD patients on dopaminergic medication compared to healthy controls.
- To understand if divergent thinking is preserved or enhanced in PD.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis was performed following PRISMA guidelines.
- Ten studies were included in the synthesis.
- Study quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in divergent thinking were found between PD patients and healthy controls.
- The effect size (Cohen's d) was -0.095, indicating a negligible difference.
Conclusions:
- Divergent thinking appears to be spared in Parkinson's disease.
- This preserved ability may serve as a cognitive resource for PD patients.
- Findings support further research into interventions leveraging divergent thinking for cognitive support in PD.
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