December 13, 2025

@michaelokun

Can the idea of ‘Hopamine’ spark a new path for Parkinson’s and neurological care? Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate movement, motivation and mood by transmitting signals between nerve cells. Marina Noordegraaf and colleagues describe in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease how the concept of ‘Hopamine’ may serve as a powerful complement to dopamine replacement therapies Key Points: - Hopamine represents each person’s unique set of hopes, desires and abilities and these can be used to guide personalized care. - Combining ‘Hopamine’ w/ dopamine facilitates a shift from an illness-centered approach to a wellness-centered approach. - Encouraging folks to identify and cultivate their ‘Hopamine’ can improve adjustment, self-management and quality of life. My take: I love the term ‘Hopamine.’ I love the notion of shifting away from an illness centered approach. Here are 5 points that resonated w/ me about this article and using this philosophy: 1- Personalizing care means recognizing both dopamine needs and the personal hopes that fuel daily living. 2- Understanding the diagnosis and gaining disease literacy creates space for Hopamine to grow. 3- Empowering self-management through exercise, mindfulness or peer support can amplify Hopamine. 4- Hopamine changes across the journey and requires flexible strategies from health care providers and families. 5- Supporting Hopamine early may reduce despair and help folks regain control, especially during uncertain times. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.3233/JPD-230012 #fixelinstitute #parkinson #michaelokun