moondaughter, i assume eventually we lose the ability to convert l-dopa to dopamine in our brains but the success of intravenous l-dopa via a patch pump and duodopa delivered l-dopa sows that this is a much more complicated situation. if inhaled l-dopa ever gets approved it will be interesting to see if bypassing the gastric system can give a consistent ON and can be a tool in investigating if you have digestive system problems, remember the heliobacter bacteria claims. ON'S seem be more consistant in advanced pd'ers with IV and intestinal (duodopa) delivery. the patch pump product hasn't reached the market yet, i think.