Parkinson’s disease is a serious brain condition that slowly affects how a person moves. It can cause shaking, stiffness, balance problems, and slow movements.
Other symptoms may include trouble sleeping, changes in speech, and a reduced sense of smell.
Over time, these symptoms can make daily life very difficult. Scientists have known for a while that both genes and the environment can play a role in causing Parkinson’s. But the exact reason some people get the disease is still not fully known.
Now, researchers from the University of Rochester and other institutions have made an important discovery. They believe that a common industrial chemical called trichloroethylene, or TCE for short, may be linked to a much higher risk of Parkinson’s disease.
TCE is a colorless liquid that has been used for many years to clean metal parts, remove caffeine from coffee, and dry clean clothes. Although its use has decreased, it is still found in some places, especially in areas where it leaked into the air, soil, or water.
This chemical is not new to health concerns. Back in 1969, doctors already noticed that TCE could be harmful to the brain. Since then, some case studies have shown that people exposed to TCE at work may be more likely to develop Parkinson’s.
In this new study, scientists found that TCE exposure could raise the chance of getting Parkinson’s disease by 500 percent. That’s five times the normal risk.
The team looked at older studies and reviewed seven detailed case reports to support their findings. They found that TCE might be part of the reason why more people around the world are being diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
Even more worrying, TCE is not just a risk at work. It can also be found in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and even inside homes or buildings. Many people might be exposed to it without knowing.
Even though this discovery is very important, scientists say that more research is still needed to fully understand how TCE affects the brain and why it may lead to Parkinson’s.
For now, the best thing people can do is try to avoid contact with this chemical, especially in areas where contamination has been found. Governments and workplaces should also work harder to make sure that the environment is safe and free from harmful chemicals like TCE.
Parkinson’s disease cannot be cured, but there are treatments that can help people feel better. These include medications, physical therapy, and changes in daily habits like healthy eating and exercise. Support from doctors, family, friends, and counseling groups can also make a big difference.
This new study was led by Dr. Ray Dorsey and published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease. It gives us more information about how chemicals in our environment may be linked to diseases like Parkinson’s. Knowing more about these risks helps scientists, doctors, and the public take action to protect health in the future.
If you care about Parkinson’s disease, please read studies about Parkinson’s gene variant is found predominantly in people of African ancestry and research shows a dangerous cause of Parkinson’s disease.
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