In this follow up article, we will explore the various ways by which dopamine is chemically broken down, degraded, or metabolized. In doing so, we will provide yet another, more hopeful, story, that the reversible problem may be more to do with the breakdown of dopamine occurring too fast after it has been synthesized, rather than cells dying.
Read MoreDiaphragmatic Breathing and Parkinson's Disease
In this article, I will make the case that patterns of unhealthy breathing are among the most vital target areas for progressive reduction of the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. Breathing dysfunctions are prevalent in people with PD, such as chronic mouth breathing, but, in particular, shallow breathing from the chest and neck, with very little movement of the diaphragm, which has become spasmodic, rigid and stiff. These breathing patterns often precede diagnosis by years or may even be life-long habits, and therefore could have a more causal role, rather than just being an effect of developing the disease. Conversely, if a chemical cure was invented tomorrow, which alleviated the main symptoms, it is very unlikely to fix the unhealthy breathing habits, and so associated chronic health issues are likely to re-emerge. The positive message is that this can be worked on and repaired over time even with PD, and that long term strategies to improve the situation could help reduce symptoms and disease progression, and improve quality of life.
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