Scientists from the University of Rochester and other research groups have found strong new evidence that a chemical called trichloroethylene, or TCE, might be linked to Parkinson’s disease.
This chemical is used in many industries and is also found in the environment. Experts now believe it may be one of the reasons why more and more people are getting Parkinson’s around the world.
Parkinson’s disease is a brain condition that makes it hard for people to move their bodies the way they want. It happens when certain nerve cells in the brain die. These cells make a chemical called dopamine, which helps control movement.
Without enough dopamine, people may develop symptoms like shaking hands, stiff muscles, slow walking, trouble keeping balance, and more. Other symptoms can include problems with speaking, sleeping, mood changes, or even losing the sense of smell.
Doctors don’t know exactly what causes Parkinson’s, but they think it’s due to a mix of genes and things in the environment. Some known risks include getting older, having family members with Parkinson’s, being exposed to harmful chemicals, and having serious head injuries in the past.
Now, scientists are warning about TCE, a chemical used to clean metal parts, dry clean clothes, and even to remove caffeine from coffee in the past. TCE has been used since the 1920s, and concerns about its health effects go back over 50 years.
A new study has shown that people who are exposed to TCE have a 500% higher chance of getting Parkinson’s than people who are not exposed to it.
The problem with TCE is that it is not only found at work. It can pollute the air, soil, and water. TCE can even rise into the air from dirty water underground and get into homes, offices, and schools without anyone knowing. This means people may be breathing it in every day without realizing it.
In the recent study, scientists looked at past research and also studied seven people who had both Parkinson’s and clear exposure to TCE. They believe this chemical might be one of the hidden causes behind the growing number of Parkinson’s cases and say it is something we may be able to prevent.
Even though there is still more to learn, the link between TCE and Parkinson’s is becoming harder to ignore. More research is needed to understand exactly how TCE harms the brain and what can be done to lower the risk.
While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease right now, there are ways to manage the symptoms. Medicines like levodopa help the brain replace lost dopamine. Exercise, physical therapy, and eating well can also help people move better and feel better overall. Support from groups or counseling can help people cope emotionally as well.
Since TCE exposure may be preventable, governments and workplaces need to take stronger steps to limit how much of this chemical gets into our environment. Safer rules could help protect millions of people from this possible cause of Parkinson’s.
This research, led by Dorsey Ray and others, was published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease. It raises awareness about the effects of environmental chemicals and why we need more studies to help keep people safe and healthy.
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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