I'm hoping one ye clever cats can help me understand something.
Dopamine is made in the following way:
Phenylalanine -> tyrosine -> l-dopa -> dopamine
Who is responsible for doing this? Is it the dopamine neuron job or is it just the neuron's job to deliver the dopamine across the brain once it's produced?
To me, getting natural l dopa into your body, letting your body metabolize it and get it to the brain, gut etc... then getting the electrical system in your brain to send out proper and quick signals to tell your body how to move and function normally. We don't move automatically anymore , because the signals are slow or the curcuits are broken at the main braker. Exercise can help reconnect the curcuits. Nutrition is so important to make everything work better also. And, smile, laugh, love and dance thru life. Make someone else's life happier today. Be a blessing. Aunt Bean
Nice question, I wonder if we could ask the neurons themselves through some meditative practice and get the answer. Like "dear neurons are you dormant, are you dying or just tired? Thanks for the reply. Yours sincerely. Your commander. " It would be the shortest way to find out.
science fiction of communication.
Great reply, Gio, I will try it when I meditate. Sure hope it works! 
Hi Springfield,
nice to hear from you.
A feeling of self-commiseration on their part will accompany the response; like at a funeral. 
Nothing cheerful,
I warned you. 
Gio
The correct term is "synthesized"...involving the enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase and L-amino acid Decarboxylase.
However, in Parkinsons, this pathway apparently doesn't function as efficiently as it should and slowly disintegrates. This breakdown affects (kills off or maims) predominately dopamine-producing ("dopaminergic") neurons in 2 specific areas of the brain called substantia nigra and the striatum.
In this case, progression of PD becomes inevitable as more and more dopaminergic neurons are lost or become dysfunctional or perhaps dormant.
Theory.
Sharon
It's all about grey matter pushups
keeps the brain and nervous system fit
just like pushups and fast walking for our bodies
I'm not a neurologist so my question is probably dumb, but does the scientific community know where does this synthesis occur? What role does the dopamine neuron play? Is it part of the synthesis process or does it just take the dopamine and deliver it once its synthesized?
I would ask you "why do you really need to know how dopamine is synthesized since it is theoretical how it is done?" What changes would you make in your lifestyle or drug protocol if you did actually know? What would make a difference?
In answer to your questions:
Q:"What role does the dopamine neuron play?"
A: in the parts of the brain which I have identified, the loss of the dopaminergic neurons creates an inability (to one extent or another) to control various body movements and multiple brain functions (mood, reward, addiction, stress, etc.). IOW, they are the main source of dopamine in the human central nervous system. Supposedly, relatively speaking in neuron totality, these neurons are few in number.
Supposedly, the Dopaminergic neurons sit all along the "signalling" pathway previously described via their "axons". Hence, they supposedly produce the enzymes that do the synthesis (assuming a diet that will allow this process to happen). In PD, something negative happens to the pathway and the neurons for some (probably a variety) of reasons.
Q: What causes their loss?
A: No one really knows but some researchers think they know. In reality, a number of things probably cause the degradation. Some long term in nature; some much shorter in nature. Hence, the wide variety of theories explaining what happens when PD occurs as individuals age and even before they age.
Sharon
Thanks for your answer. The condescending nature of the initial section was totally unnecessary. To answer your q question: Curiosity and to learn something. Believe it or not, people like to learn and parkinson's research and biology is a particular interest of mine. The more I understand the basics, the more I can comprehend the more advanced topics. In a lot of your answers you dismiss lots of research as theories. While this is true, everything in science is a theory but some turn out to be true. Gravity is a theory but I dont see you floating in the sky.
I was seriously asking you a simple question. You chose to take it personally.
The research is mostly theoretical for reason. Most of PD research is cell biology or some variant, or it is a animal experiment on mice, flies, or worms, or CTs of very limited participation by a small number of human participants.
Your interest is well meaning. I sincerely hope you enjoy exploring. Good luck.
Sharon
Sometimes phrasing and wording can be misinterpreted. I realise my response was a little over the top but my overall point is that being cynical and pessimistic about everything isn't always the best approach. Some hard truths are always welcome but a little bit of hope can go along way. You seem to be very knowledgeable in the science of Parkinson's and I look forward to reading your responses in the future.
Dopamine the problem? 
Dopamine diet
Serotonin vs Dopamine
Dopamine. 
Hallucinations: "It's the Dopamine, Stupid!"
