Parkinson’s disease is a serious condition that affects the way people move. It usually starts slowly and gets worse over time.
People with Parkinson’s often shake, move slowly, feel stiff, and have trouble keeping their balance. They may also have problems with speaking, writing, smelling, sleeping, or even feel sad or depressed.
For many years, scientists have been trying to understand what causes Parkinson’s. They believe it comes from a mix of things: your genes and things in the environment around you. Some risk factors include getting older, having a family member with Parkinson’s, head injuries, or being around certain chemicals.
One of these chemicals is called trichloroethylene, or TCE. TCE is a man-made chemical used for many years in different industries. It helps clean metal parts, remove caffeine from coffee, and dry clean clothes.
But it is also dangerous. TCE can get into the air we breathe, the water we drink, and even into the soil. This means people can be exposed to it at work, at home, or even at school without realizing it.
Scientists have known since the 1960s that TCE might be linked to Parkinson’s disease. But only recently have researchers found stronger evidence.
A team from the University of Rochester and other places studied past reports and looked at seven people who were exposed to TCE and later developed Parkinson’s. These people came from different backgrounds, but they all had one thing in common: they had been in places where TCE was present.
The new study shows that people who are exposed to TCE could be five times more likely to get Parkinson’s than those who are not. This is a big number and a serious warning.
The researchers say that TCE might be an important cause of the rise in Parkinson’s cases worldwide. They also say we may be able to prevent some cases of the disease by reducing exposure to TCE.
Even though TCE is dangerous, it is still found in many places. That’s because it was used a lot in the past, and it doesn’t go away quickly. It stays in the ground and in water for a long time. This makes it very hard to clean up. People might still be exposed today, especially in areas near old factories or polluted sites.
Parkinson’s disease has no cure. But there are treatments that can help. Doctors can give medicines to increase dopamine, a brain chemical that is low in people with Parkinson’s. There are also drugs for other symptoms like sleep problems or sadness.
Physical therapy and regular exercise are also helpful. They keep the body moving and improve quality of life. It’s also a good idea to eat healthy, avoid stress, and stay away from harmful chemicals like TCE.
Support from family, friends, and groups can also make a big difference. Talking to others who understand can help people feel less alone. Counseling is also helpful for those who feel overwhelmed.
This new research, led by Dr. Dorsey Ray and his team, was published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease. It gives us a better understanding of how harmful chemicals in our environment might lead to serious health problems. It also shows why we need stronger rules and safety steps to protect people from TCE.
In the end, knowing more about TCE could help us prevent Parkinson’s disease in the future. Reducing our exposure to this chemical could save lives and improve health for many people.
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.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
