Hi,

I concur with Carolyn that your friend see a Movement Disorder Specialist. To date, there is no biochemical test for PD. Diagnosis is made through observation by a specialist. Often in its early stages, PD diagnosis is very unclear as symptoms can be similar to that seen in other disorders.

Do you know how your friend knows her dopamine levels are low? The only way to measure this is through a PET scan that illuminates current levels of dopamine in the brain; however, it is mainly used in research and rarely used in diagnosis. Insurance companies do not always cover the costs of such a test, though from what I understand, some neurologists will order it if paid for out of pocket by the patient.

Good luck,

Laura