What neurotransmitter is deficient in the brains of patients with Parkinson's disease?

In patients with Parkinson's disease, the primary neurotransmitter that is deficient in the brain is dopamine. This deficiency arises due to the degeneration of substantia nigra neurons, which are responsible for producing dopamine. Dopamine is crucial for regulating movement, and its absence leads to the characteristic symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slow movement), and postural instability.

The loss of dopamine disrupts the balance between excitatory and inhibitory signals in the brain, particularly affecting the basal ganglia, a group of structures involved in coordinating movement. Restoration or enhancement of dopaminergic activity is a key therapeutic target in managing the symptoms of this condition.

Understanding the role of dopamine is essential for comprehending the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease and the rationale behind various treatment approaches aimed at increasing dopamine levels or mimicking its effects.