Introduction
Our movements are regulated by chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. In Parkinson’s, levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine are depleted as the nerve cells which produce it are gradually lost. This means that the signals the brain sends to our muscles become interrupted and movement is disturbed.
A wide range of medications have been developed either to replace dopamine or to mimic its effects.
It’s important to know what your choices are so that, in partnership with your doctor, you and your family can make the right decisions about your treatment. Every case of Parkinson’s is unique and symptoms are different for everyone. They can vary from day to day, hour to hour, even minute to minute and your own individual patterns will determine what medications you are prescribed.
