A team of researchers from the University of Rochester, along with collaborators from other institutions, has been investigating how a chemical called trichloroethylene (TCE) might be connected to Parkinson’s disease.
TCE is a widely used industrial chemical, commonly employed for cleaning metal parts, making decaffeinated coffee, and in dry cleaning processes.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition that affects a person’s ability to move. People with Parkinson’s often experience symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, and difficulty with balance and coordination.
Additionally, they may face challenges like changes in speech and writing, loss of smell, sleep disturbances, and depression.
Scientists have long been searching for the causes of Parkinson’s disease. It is believed to result from a combination of genetic factors—traits passed down from parents—and environmental factors, which are things people encounter in their surroundings.
Several risk factors for Parkinson’s include age, family history of the disease, exposure to certain chemicals, and severe head injuries.
TCE is not a new chemical; its potential link to Parkinson’s disease has been a concern since 1969.
Recent studies have shown that people who have been exposed to large amounts of TCE may be up to five times more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease compared to those who haven’t been exposed to the chemical.
What makes TCE particularly worrisome is that it’s not just found in workplaces. It can also contaminate outdoor air, underground water sources, and even indoor air through contaminated soil and water.
This means that TCE could unknowingly infiltrate homes, offices, or schools, putting people at risk without their knowledge.
Despite TCE being widely used and present in many environments, there hasn’t been enough research to fully understand how it contributes to Parkinson’s disease.
To address this, the research team led by Dorsey Ray reviewed previous studies and examined seven specific cases where individuals were exposed to TCE and later developed Parkinson’s disease.
Their findings suggest that TCE might play a significant role in the increasing number of Parkinson’s cases worldwide and that reducing exposure to TCE could potentially prevent some of these cases.
Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, so treatments focus on managing symptoms to improve the quality of life for those affected.
This typically involves medications that increase dopamine levels in the brain—a key chemical that is deficient in people with Parkinson’s.
Other medications aim to address non-movement-related symptoms. Additionally, regular physical therapy and exercise are vital for maintaining mobility and function.
Living a healthy lifestyle can also help manage Parkinson’s disease. This includes eating a balanced diet, staying active, managing stress, and avoiding known toxins like TCE.
Support groups and counseling can provide emotional and psychological support for individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s.
Given the growing evidence linking TCE to Parkinson’s disease, it is more important than ever to reduce exposure to this chemical. This requires stronger strategies for both environmental and workplace safety to protect public health.
The ongoing research, led by Dorsey Ray and published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, is crucial in enhancing our understanding of the environmental risks associated with Parkinson’s disease.
It underscores the need for continued research and action to safeguard people from harmful exposures like TCE.
If you care about Parkinson’s disease, please read studies about Vitamin E that may help prevent Parkinson’s disease, and Vitamin D could benefit people with Parkinson’s disease.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about new way to treat Parkinson’s disease, and results showing COVID-19 may be linked to Parkinson’s disease.
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