Study Reveals Strong Link Between Air Pollution and Parkinson’s Disease Risk

November 1, 2023

A new study set to be published in the medical journal Neurology of the American Academy of Neurology has unearthed a concerning connection between air pollution and Parkinson’s disease. The research reveals that individuals residing in areas with median levels of air pollution have a staggering 56 percent higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those living in areas with the lowest air pollution levels.

Air Pollution’s Role in Inflammation

The study delved into the national and geographic patterns of Parkinson’s disease while examining the association between the condition and fine particulate matter present in the air. Fine particulate matter has previously been linked to brain inflammation, a known mechanism for Parkinson’s disease development.

Regional Variations and Hotspots

Interestingly, the study uncovered regional variations in the relationship between air pollution and Parkinson’s disease risk. The Mississippi-Ohio River Valley emerged as a hotspot for the condition, along with central North Dakota, parts of Texas, Kansas, eastern Michigan, and the tip of Florida. In contrast, individuals residing in the western half of the U.S. were found to be at a reduced risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to the rest of the nation.

Potential Sources of Pollution

While the study did not explore specific sources of air pollution, Dr. Krzyzanowski pointed out that regions like the Mississippi-Ohio River Valley have relatively high road network density, potentially leading to pollution containing more combustion particles from traffic and heavy metals from manufacturing. These components have been associated with cell death in the brain regions linked to Parkinson’s disease.

Methodology and Policy Implications

The study used a population-based geographic approach, identifying nearly 90,000 people with Parkinson’s disease from a Medicare dataset of nearly 22 million. Researchers were able to calculate Parkinson’s disease rates within each region and determine associations between fine particulate matter exposure and disease risk after adjusting for various factors.

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