What Does Dopamine Do in Parkinson’s?

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD), you’ve likely heard a lot about dopamine. But what exactly is dopamine, and what does it do in Parkinson’s? Understanding the role of this essential brain chemical can help you better grasp the symptoms, treatment, and ongoing care related to PD.

What Does Dopamine Do in Parkinson’s?Dopamine is a neurotransmitter—a chemical messenger in the brain that plays a crucial role in controlling movement, coordination, mood, and motivation. In a healthy brain, dopamine is produced by nerve cells in an area called the substantia nigra, located in the midbrain. It helps transmit signals that allow smooth, purposeful physical motion.

In Parkinson’s disease, these dopamine-producing cells begin to degenerate and die, leading to a significant drop in dopamine levels. This shortage of dopamine disrupts the normal balance and flow of communication between the brain and the body—particularly in areas that control motor function.
That’s why people with PD experience symptoms like:

• Tremors (shaking)
• Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
• Muscle rigidity
• Difficulty with balance and coordination

As dopamine levels continue to decline, non-motor symptoms can also develop, such as mood changes, sleep disturbances, and cognitive challenges.

How Does Dopamine Affect Parkinson’s Symptoms?
The classic motor symptoms of Parkinson’s are directly tied to the lack of dopamine in the brain. Without enough dopamine:

• Muscles may stiffen or become slow to respond.
• Simple movements like walking, writing, or speaking can become challenging.
• Reflexes slow down, increasing the risk of falls and injury.

This is why many Parkinson’s medications aim to replace dopamine or mimic its effects, helping to restore some degree of normal movement and reduce symptoms.
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One of the most well-known treatments is levodopa, a medication that the brain converts into dopamine. When taken with carbidopa (which helps levodopa reach the brain more efficiently), it can significantly improve mobility and quality of life.

Living Well with Parkinson’s: Support from PASWFLWhile medications help manage dopamine levels, ongoing support and care are essential for living well with Parkinson’s—and that’s where the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) comes in.

For over twenty-five years, PASWFL has provided effective programs and services that improve the quality of life, educate, enrich, and empower Southwest Floridians touched by Parkinson’s and related neurological diseases.

Each week, PASWFL offers more than 25 free programs and support groups for people with PD and their care partners. These include exercise classes, speech therapy, wellness education, art, music, and caregiver support. There are no fees to become a member, and everyone is welcome.

You can join the PASWFL community and start receiving support today.

Ready to Learn More or Get Involved?
Click here to sign up for their newsletter for updates, tips, and event info.
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**Understanding dopamine helps empower you to take control of Parkinson’s—**and with the right support, you can live stronger, longer, and better.