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This is a glossary of terms which appear in the world of Parkinson’s. Email your suggestions for alternative definitions and the best will be posted.
Dopamine
Old Scientist Definition - a neurotransmitter, a chemical used to relay signals around the brain. Particularly, dopamine relays messages from the dopaminergic neurons to the dopamine receptors.
Wobbly Williams Definition – Ambrosia for Parkies (as in the food of the gods, not Devon custard). Closest equivalent I can think of is an ice cold bottle of lager at the end of a day spent wearing a rubber suit in a sauna. I imagine. Maybe an ice cold bottle of lager and a clothes peg.
Dopaminergic Neurons
Old Scientist Definition - neurons, or brain cells, which produce dopamine. Parkinson’s disease is caused by insufficient dopamine production in the dopaminergic neurons.
Wobbly Williams Definition – The Carlsberg brewery. Carlsberg don’t make neurotransmitters but if they did….. Maybe I should ask them. Carlsberg Neurobrew.
Dopamine Receptors
Old Scientist Definition - control, amongst other things, fine motor movement. The dopamine receptors are activated by dopamine.
Wobbly Williams Definition – The best looking girl at school. The one you always fancied. When she smiles at you (activates) there is lots of movement. Unfortunately in my case, none of it was smooth and most of it embarrassing.
Dopamine Agonists
Old Scientist Definition - A chemical compound which activates the dopamine receptors. Often supplied as a drug to newly diagnosed Parkies.
Wobbly Williams Definition - a smooth operator, but a bit of a charlatan. Sidles up to a dopamine receptor, pretending to be dopamine, with the sole purpose of getting her knickers off. Think Terry Thomas.
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