What is Dopamine's Role in Parkinson's Disease?
Dopamine's role in Parkinson's Disease is that when the dopamine producing neurons in the brain are damaged or destroyed, the disease occurs.
Unfortunately, treating the Parkinson's with dopamine itself isn't possible, the tightly packed cell wall in the brain prevent certain substances, including dopamine, from crossing into the brain.
Medications which are used to treat Parkinson's by encouraging the production of dopamine, or simulating the effects of dopamine
- Levadopa (commonly Sinemet® or Sinemet® CR ) - A naturally occurring substance that is the precursor to dopamine then converted by the nerve cells in the brain.
- Dopamine Agonists - Mimics the effects of dopamine inside the brain, allowing the brain neurons to act as though sufficient amounts of dopamine are present in the brain.
- Selegiline - Prevents the breakdown of dopamine in the brain. Initially thought to slow progression, however that now appears not to be the case.
As with all medications talk with your doctor about the medicines and treatments for that are best for you.
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