Are the insular cortex and cortisol implicated in Parkinsonian features?

Recent studies implicate insular cortex and the hormone cortisol in Parkinsonian features. Dopaminergic alterations at the level of the insula may be involved in changes in personality (i.e. novelty seeking) and symptoms of hemispatial neglect. I discuss this evidence and suggest that attention in future research to a possible role of the insula and of cortisol in Parkinsonian features may yield valuable information regarding Parkinson's disease.