Good morning Folks....not sure of the question, but get the general idea - Dopamine is a neurotransmitter. It is a chemical messenger that helps in the transmission of signals in the brain and other vital areas. Dopamine is produced in several areas of the brain, including the substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental area. It is a neurohormone that is released by the hypothalamus, and as such, "acts" on Dopamine receptors in our brains to help with things like writing, balance, muscle stability, walking, etc....

Or in the case of Club PD members, we are lacking this neurotransmitter in varying degrees and thus some of us have tremors, balance problems, micrograhica, etc while some of us don't....it is "weird" how PD effects each individual differently and the "lifespan" of the neurotransmitter Dopamine is directly tied to how messed up your individual receptors are.... - keep on fighting the good fight John

@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member -

My first impulse is to say, "In my case, not long enough!" The second is to check with my neurologist and find out for sure if it is the loss of dopamine producing cells or impaired function of the existing cells that is the main villain?

I've done a little research and found that info is meager and contradictory. As a side light, I learned through a source I trust that PD people are more likely to have vitamins D and B12 deficiencies. I had a blood test this morning and am awaiting results, probably due early next week. I will pass along results as they become available.

Keep asking questions (I plan to), otherwise how do we get answers? - even when we don't like answers sometimes its is better know than not.

Mentioned Users

A MyParki...

I would have to say , it would depend on what stage of PD you are in . There are 5 stages in PD. I have had it 17 years ,and I am in the 3rd stage . I have had the DBS and a new battery . My friends and wife say I am doing great. I just keep on going . I don't let it stop me . I truly believe If you stop using it you will loose it.

Everything I have read lately on Parkinson's indicates that it is starting in the gut, and is either bacteria or virus related. If this is true, the life of the dopamine cell becomes less important, and the chances of a cure being found soon gets much better..

Just for the record, I'm all for a little prayer, too...but when looking for a cure, I go to scientists first,, not preachers. Just saying.