- Parkinson’s disease prevalence is growing fast, and similar to some other neurological conditions, its causes are unclear.
- The potential impact of chemicals that are toxic to neurons in the part of the brain affected by Parkinson’s disease has been investigated since the 1980s.
- Despite this, many chemicals, particularly pesticides and herbicides that are known to pose a risk, are still used in many parts of the world.
- Researchers have now identified a risk of Parkinson’s disease associated with exposure to 14 pesticides.
Parkinson’s disease is the
Parkinson’s disease is characterized by loss of neurons in the
The neurons in this part of the brain create dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is used for signalling in the brain. Loss of this signalling affects motor control, a common symptom in people with Parkinson’s disease.
There are a number of theories as to how and why Parkinson’s disease develops. One theory is that a peptide called alpha-synuclein accumulates in the substantia nigra neurons of people with Parkinson’s disease.
These accumultations are known as
Other theories include genetic inheritance and mitochondrial dysfunction, similar to some theories about Alzheimer’s disease. Another theory is that Parkinson’s disease is caused by exposure to environmental toxins, such as pesticides and herbicides.
The idea that some chemicals could damage the neurons in the substantia nigra, and lead to Parkinson’s disease has been around since the
Now, research due to be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 76th Annual Meeting, in Denver, CO, held between April 13–18, 2024, outlines how three more pesticides have been linked to increased risk of…
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