Scientists from the University of Rochester and other research groups have found new evidence that a common chemical used in industries may be linked to Parkinson’s disease.
The chemical is called trichloroethylene, or TCE. It has been used for many years in factories and other workplaces, but it can also be found in the air, soil, and water.
This new research suggests TCE might be one reason why Parkinson’s disease is becoming more common around the world.
Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that causes problems with movement. It happens when brain cells that produce dopamine, a chemical that helps control how we move, begin to die or stop working.
When this happens, people may have shaking hands, stiff muscles, slow movements, or trouble keeping their balance. They might also have changes in speech, trouble sleeping, or feel sad or depressed.
There is no single known cause of Parkinson’s. Scientists believe it happens because of a mix of inherited genes and things in the environment. Some known risk factors are getting older, having a family member with Parkinson’s, or being exposed to harmful chemicals like pesticides or industrial cleaners. Head injuries may also increase the risk.
TCE is one of those harmful chemicals. It’s often used to clean metal parts, remove grease, dry clean clothes, and even decaffeinate coffee. Although it has been around for decades, its link to Parkinson’s was first suggested back in 1969.
More recently, scientists found that people exposed to TCE are five times more likely to develop Parkinson’s than people who are not exposed.
The danger is that TCE can be hard to detect. It can pollute water and soil and turn into vapor, which can then move through the ground and into buildings. That means people might be breathing it in at home, at school, or at work without even knowing it.
To understand more, the research team looked at past studies and reviewed the medical histories of seven people who had Parkinson’s and were exposed to TCE.
While this does not prove that TCE directly causes the disease, the strong connection makes scientists think that this chemical could be a preventable cause of Parkinson’s. More studies are needed to understand exactly how TCE affects the brain and what can be done to reduce the risks.
There is no cure for Parkinson’s yet, but there are ways to manage it. Medications like levodopa can help the brain get more dopamine. Physical therapy and exercise help people stay strong and mobile.
Eating healthy, reducing stress, and staying active can also improve quality of life. Support groups and mental health counseling are helpful for both patients and caregivers.
Because TCE exposure may be avoidable, it’s important to call for stricter environmental rules and better safety standards in workplaces. Limiting exposure to harmful chemicals like TCE could help prevent more cases of Parkinson’s in the future.
This study was led by Dorsey Ray and published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease. It shows that we must take environmental risks more seriously if we want to protect public health.
If you care about Parkinson’s disease, please read studies that Vitamin B may slow down cognitive decline, and Mediterranean diet could help lower risk of Parkinson’s.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that blueberry supplements may prevent cognitive decline, and results showing Plant-based diets could protect cognitive health from air pollution.
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