Chasing Life A New Understanding of Parkinson’s Disease
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Dec 5, 2025 Dr. Michael Okun, a leading neurologist and co-director of the Norman Fixel Institute, dives into the complexities of Parkinson's disease. He reveals alarming links between environmental toxins—like air pollution and pesticides—and the rising cases of this neurodegenerative disorder. Okun discusses the need for a prevention mindset, offering practical advice for individuals to reduce risk. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding Parkinson's beyond just dopamine, urging further research and awareness about its root causes.
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Parkinson's Is Systemic, Not Just Brain-Only
- Parkinson's is not just a dopamine or brain-only disease but affects multiple organs like gut and skin.
- Asking why it starts, spreads, and progresses reframes research toward root causes and prevention.
Rising Cases Suggest Environmental Causes
- Global Parkinson's cases are rising fast and can't be explained by aging alone given regional differences and younger patients.
- Only ~13% have a single gene cause, pointing to environmental and lifestyle drivers for most cases.
Toxins In Air, Food, Water Reach The Brain
- Air, food, and water can carry tiny particles and chemicals (like paraquat, TCE) that reach the brain or gut and are linked to Parkinson's.
- Clusters of cases in neighborhoods and workplaces strengthen the environmental-toxin hypothesis.
