Parkinson’s disease is a condition that gradually worsens, making it hard for people to control their movements. It can cause shaking, slow movements, stiffness in muscles, and problems with balance.
Besides these physical issues, it might affect a person’s ability to speak or write clearly, their sense of smell, sleep quality, and even their mood, leading to feelings of sadness.
The exact causes of Parkinson’s disease remain a bit of a mystery, but it seems to be a mix of genetic factors and environmental influences.
Risk factors include growing older, having a relative with Parkinson’s, being in contact with certain chemicals, or having experienced a severe head injury.
One chemical of particular concern is trichloroethylene (TCE). TCE is pretty common in various industries, used for cleaning metal parts, decaffeinating coffee, and dry cleaning clothes.
Since 1969, there have been hints that TCE could trigger Parkinson’s-like symptoms. Indeed, some workers who were regularly exposed to TCE have developed Parkinson’s disease.
Recent studies have pointed out that being exposed to TCE could increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease by six times. What’s more alarming is that TCE exposure isn’t limited to workplaces. It can be found in the air, water, and even inside homes and buildings.
TCE can evaporate from contaminated soil or water and contaminate the air we breathe without us even realizing it. Despite this risk, there hasn’t been enough research to fully understand how TCE and Parkinson’s are connected.
Researchers are digging deeper into the potential link between TCE exposure and the increasing cases of Parkinson’s worldwide. They believe that reducing exposure to TCE could possibly prevent some instances of Parkinson’s disease.
However, they also emphasize the need for more research to determine the extent of TCE’s impact on this condition.
For those living with Parkinson’s, there is no cure yet, but symptoms can be managed. Treatments include medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful chemicals like TCE.
Support groups and counseling can also offer much-needed support for patients and their families.
Scientists, including a team led by Dorsey Ray, stress the importance of reducing TCE exposure to protect against Parkinson’s disease.
Their findings, published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, highlight the role of environmental factors in the development of Parkinson’s and the need for ongoing research to find effective ways to lower the risk of this challenging disease.
Their work underscores the critical connection between our environment and health, advocating for cleaner, safer communities and workplaces as part of the fight against Parkinson’s disease.
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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