The Effect Of L Tyrosine In Parkinson's

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative brain disorder interfering with the ability to start, stop or coordinate movement. Cells in the brain that produce a neurotransmitter called dopamine die during the course of Parkinson's disease. The amino acid L-tyrosine is normally used by your body to produce dopamine and may temporarily alleviate symptoms of Parkinson's. L-tyrosine is not a cure for Parkinson's disease and does not slow disease progression.

Parkinson's Disease

As of 2011, neither the cause of Parkinson's disease nor the cure are known. People with Parkinson's disease may have difficulty initiating movements, a hunched posture, monotone voice and lack of expression in the face. In addition, those with Parkinson's disease may develop large, uncontrollable movements called tremors. Anxiety, confusion, dementia, depression, hallucinations and memory loss may be observed. Treatment focuses on slowing disease progression and controlling symptoms, especially tremors.

Dopamine

A part of your brain stem called the substantia nigra supplies most of your brain with dopamine. As Parkinson's disease progresses, cells in the substantia nigra die, reducing the supply of dopamine to the brain. The cells are continually supplying a small level of dopamine to the brain, increasing or decreasing the level to alter the activity of specific brain regions. This imbalance in brain activity leads to the movement and psychiatric disorders seen in Parkinson's patients.

L-tyrosine

Your brain uses the amino acid L-tyrosine to produce neurotransmitter such as dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine and norepinephrine. L-tyrosine requires two chemical reactions to be converted into dopamine. The dopamine precursor, levodopa or L-dopa, is frequently used to treat Parkinson's disease and requires only one chemical reaction to be converted into dopamine.

Safety

L-tyrosine should not be taken with L-dopa or certain other treatments for Parkinson's disease. According to the Parkinson's Research Foundation, L-dopa is normally more effective at raising dopamine levels than L-tyrosine. Thus, L-tyrosine is not commonly taken for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, because L-dopa is readily available.