Crazy Question - Can you Run Out of Dopamine?

Anonymous

This might be a stupid question. Since dopamine production is down 60-80% when PD symptoms are noticed, can one end up with zero natural production since the disease is degenerative? As I understand the meds, Azilect slows the process and caradopa/levadopa increases dopamine production, but neither stop the degeneration. This suggests to me there is a "ground zero" at some point where neither treatment works.

Am I missing something?

Thanks

Rich (a newbie)

Dr. Okun · Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 5:35 pm Post subject:

Nope, 60-70% represents cell loss and not actual dopamine.

Dopamine cells are in many locations in the brain.

In general you never reach ground zero---you do lose cells slowly and the buffer changes---the changes necesitate changing doses and intervals.
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Michael S. Okun, M.D.

Anonymous · Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 9:17 am Post subject:

Thanks! A very helpful answer!

Rich

Dr. Okun · Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 10:48 am Post subject:

You are welcome and keep asking questions!
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Michael S. Okun, M.D.