Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s disease develops when nerve cells in the brain cannot make enough dopamine, the chemical that controls movement. Tremors, stiffness and slowness follow, and treatment works by restoring dopamine levels.
Key points
- Most people are diagnosed around 65, though it can begin earlier.
- There is no cure, but medicines, surgery and lifestyle changes manage the symptoms.
- Diagnosis may involve seeing whether someone responds to a medicine that raises brain dopamine.
Medicines listed for Parkinson’s Disease
The listed products contain carbidopa and levodopa (Sinemet) and pramipexole (Mirapex), both in tablet form. Carbidopa is paired with Levodopa in Sinemet, while Mirapex contains pramipexole alone. The medicines used for Parkinson’s disease work by raising dopamine levels in the brain.