Diagnosis, Genetics, and Pesticide Risks

Parkinson’s disease is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world—and according to Dr. Ray Dorsey, it doesn’t have to be this way. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Dorsey, a leading neurologist, Parkinson’s researcher, and tireless advocate for rethinking chronic illness. Together, we unpack why the rates of Parkinson’s have doubled in the last 25 years and explore a bold claim: Parkinson’s is largely a manmade and preventable disease.Dr. Dorsey’s message is urgent yet hopeful: prevention is possible, but it requires awareness, advocacy, and collective action.

Dr. Ray Dorsey is a neurologist and one of the world’s foremost voices in Parkinson’s disease research and care. With deep clinical expertise and a passion for health care innovation, he is reshaping how we understand and address chronic illness. His parents were both psychiatrists, and he knew from first grade that he wanted to become a doctor. Today, he combines that lifelong love of learning with a mission to prevent Parkinson’s and improve the lives of millions worldwide.

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I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neuroscientist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_

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Learn more about Dr. Ray Dorsey’s work: Ending Parkinson’s DiseaseExplore Parkinson’s 25 recommendations in his book The Parkinson’s Plan to reduce your risk.

Topics discussed:

00:00:00:00 —  Intro 

00:01:45:16 — Rising rates of Parkinson’s & preventability
00:03:59:20 — How it starts & prodrome (decades-long progression).
00:05:27:22 — TCE & contaminated water/sites (Camp Lejeune, Woburn, Brooklyn, Silicon Valley).

00:10:36:02 — Dry cleaning exposure (perc), apartments above cleaners.

00:12:31:08 — Pathophysiology I: mitochondria, substantia nigra, alpha-synuclein.

00:17:06:16 — Pathophysiology II: body-first vs brain-first; REM sleep behavior disorder.
00:23:52:16 — Diagnosis: clinical features, imaging/biomarkers.

00:25:44:09 — Genetics (12.5%) & environmental susceptibility; TCE history/regulation.

00:29:12:23 — Pesticides: chlorpyrifos, paraquat; golf-course & agricultural exposure.

00:34:14:00 — Consumer guidance: wash produce; prioritize organic meat/dairy; contamination case studies.

00:37:58:11 — Sex differences & exposure sociology; possible estrogen protection.

00:39:37:03 — Management mindset: no cure; reduce exposures; 25 recommendations; occupational risks.
00:41:05:15 — Air pollution & purifiers: PM2.5, blood–brain barrier bypass, home monitoring.
00:46:53:17 — Water purification: filters vs RO; well-water testing & regulation gaps.

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