This Podcast Will Kill You cover image

This Podcast Will Kill You

Ep 131 Parkinson’s Disease: Dopamine & discoveries

Dec 12, 2023
Explore the dimensions of Parkinson's disease, including its biology, history, and promising research. Learn about the personal journey of a doctor living with Parkinson's and the challenges they faced. Delve into the symptoms, variability, and diagnostic challenges of the disease. Discover the historical origins of Parkinson's and the discovery of dopamine. Uncover advancements in research and advocacy for Parkinson's disease. Understand the increasing incidence and global burden of the disease.
01:48:10

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Parkinson's disease is characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to impaired motor function and other non-motor symptoms.
  • The primary treatment for Parkinson's disease involves replenishing dopamine levels in the brain through the administration of L-DOPA and carbidopa.

Deep dives

Parkinson's Disease: A Historical Perspective

Parkinson's disease was described in ancient texts and recognized by famous historical figures such as Galen and Leonardo da Vinci. However, it wasn't until James Parkinson's 1817 publication, "Essay on the Shaking Palsy," that the disease received its name. Jean-Martin Charcot later added to the description of Parkinson's disease and suggested that it be named after Parkinson instead of shaking palsy due to a more comprehensive understanding of its symptoms. Research by Constantine Tretiakov provided the connection between the substantia nigra and Parkinson's disease, while the discovery of dopamine and L-DOPA paved the way for the treatment of the condition.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode