The Pesticide-Parkinson Disease Connection
Ronald Grisanti D.C.,D.A.B.C.O., M.S.
A study, head-authored by University of Aberdeen scientist Anthony Seaton has found a strong relationship between pesicide use and developing Parkinson's disease. The study published in New Scientist investigated the background of 767 volunteers all suffering with Parkinson's disease from Scotland, Italy, Sweden, Romania and Malta. Dr. Seaton concluded that low users of pesticides such as amateur gardeners are nine percent likelier than non-users to develop Parkinson's, while high users, such as farmers, are 43 percent likelier to develop the disease. The study does not identify which pesticides could be to blame. The study confirms the need for gardeners and farmers to wear protective gear when handling pesticides. Parkinson's is a currently incurable, degenerative disease of the nervous system, affecting more than one percent of people over the age of 65. It occurs when there is a loss of cells in a part of the brain that produces dopamine, a neurotransmitter that communicates with other brain cells which regulate motor functions. Symptoms range from tremors and awkwardness and muscular stiffness to a distinctive shuffling gait. The cause of the cell loss is unknown.
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