Objective: To systematically map and synthesize clinical and neurobiological evidence examining associations between mood symptoms and motor dysfunction in Parkinson disease (PD), with emphasis on mechanisms underlying mood–motor interactions.

Background: Parkinson disease affects more than 10 million people worldwide and is characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons leading to motor impairments including tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and gait disturbance. In addition to motor symptoms, individuals with PD frequently experience mood disturbances such as depression and anxiety, which may precede motor manifestations and substantially impact quality of life. Despite increasing recognition of mood–motor comorbidity, the neurobiological mechanisms linking affective and motor symptoms remain incompletely understood.

Method: This scoping review follows Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework prior to study initiation. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library will include studies published from January 2000 to December 2025 examining neurobiological mechanisms linking mood symptoms and motor dysfunction in adults with Parkinson disease. Records will be imported into Rayyan systematic review software for duplicate removal and screening. Two independent reviewers will conduct title/abstract and full-text screening with conflicts resolved by consensus. Data extraction will include study characteristics, mood and motor assessments, neurobiological mechanisms, and reported associations.

Results: Screening and data extraction are currently in progress using Rayyan. Preliminary screening has identified a broad body of literature examining monoaminergic neurotransmission, neural circuit dysfunction, neuroinflammation, neuroendocrine signaling, and gut–brain axis mechanisms related to mood and motor symptoms in Parkinson disease. Final synthesis will map associations between mood disturbances and motor dysfunction using narrative thematic analysis.

Conclusion: This review will synthesize existing evidence on mood–motor interactions in PD and identify gaps. Findings may inform future studies targeting shared neurobiological pathways and support integrated treatment strategies addressing both motor and affective symptoms.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/mood-motor-interactions-in-parkinson-disease-clinical-associations-and-neurobiological-mechanisms/