562: Neurologist: The Root Causes of Parkinson’s Disease & How to Prevent It | Dr. Ray Dorsey
Oct 3, 2023
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Dr. Ray Dorsey, a neurologist and Parkinson's disease researcher, discusses the root causes of Parkinson's disease, including environmental toxicants like pesticides and air pollution. He emphasizes the need to decrease exposure to toxicants and shares ways to minimize pesticide exposure. The podcast also explores the risks of toxic chemicals like TCE and PCE, the increased risk of Parkinson's among dry cleaners, the impact of traumatic brain injuries, and the benefits of the Mediterranean diet in preventing Parkinson's. The importance of caregivers' health and advocating for change are also highlighted.
Parkinson's disease is preventable by eliminating exposure to environmental toxicants such as air pollution, pesticides, and dry cleaning chemicals like trichloroethylene.
Knowing the early warning signs and gradual progression of Parkinson's, such as constipation and sleep disturbances followed by movement-related issues like tremors and stiffness, can help in early intervention and management of the disease.
Modification of lifestyle through avoiding toxicant exposure, regular exercise, adopting a healthy diet, and protecting against head trauma can help protect remaining nerve cells and slow down the progression of Parkinson's disease.
Proactive measures like buying organic produce, thorough cleaning of fruits and vegetables, testing and filtering drinking water, staying away from areas with high pesticide exposure, and using air purifiers in polluted areas can help prevent Parkinson's disease and reduce harmful exposure.
Deep dives
Preventing Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is preventable, with the majority of cases being caused by environmental toxicants. Air pollution, pesticides (especially paraquat), and dry cleaning chemicals (such as trichloroethylene) are identified as major contributors to the disease. The risks associated with Parkinson's are not solely due to aging or genetics, as evidenced by the significant increase in cases over a span of two centuries. By eliminating exposure to these toxicants, preventing contamination of groundwater, and taking measures to reduce air pollution, the incidence of Parkinson's can be vastly reduced, and future generations can be safeguarded from this preventable disease.
Early Detection and Disease Progression
Parkinson's disease develops over a long period of time, and symptoms may not become apparent until significant damage has already occurred. Detecting the disease during its silent phase is challenging, but it is crucial to understand the changes happening in the body during this time. Early symptoms often include constipation and sleep disturbances, followed by movement-related issues like tremors and stiffness. Understanding these early warning signs and the gradual progression of the disease can help in early intervention and management.
Modifying Disease Course and Reversal
While it is difficult to reverse the damage caused by Parkinson's disease, there are steps individuals can take to modify the course of the disease and safeguard remaining nerve cells. Avoiding exposure to toxicants, including pesticides and dry cleaning chemicals like trichloroethylene, is key. Additionally, regular exercise, adopting a healthy diet, and protecting against head trauma can all have positive effects on the disease's progression. While there is no definitive way to reverse the damage already done, these lifestyle modifications can protect remaining nerve cells and help individuals maintain independence and minimize disability.
Prevention and Protection
Taking proactive measures to prevent Parkinson's disease is crucial. Buying organic produce, washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly to remove pesticide residues, and using carbon filters to purify tap water are recommended. Testing well water for contaminants like pesticides and installing carbon filters can help ensure clean drinking water. Awareness of the risks associated with living near farms and golf courses that use pesticides is important, as exposure to these areas can increase the likelihood of developing Parkinson's. Furthermore, using air purifiers, especially in areas with high levels of air pollution, can help reduce exposure to harmful particulate matter.
The importance of addressing pesticide exposure
Pesticides such as paraquat and heptachlor have been linked to the development and progression of Parkinson's disease. It is important to ban these chemicals and find safer alternatives to prevent further cases of the disease.
The role of traumatic brain injury
Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Repeated head trauma and chronic traumatic encephalopathy, commonly found in athletes, have been linked to Parkinsonian features. Understanding the link between head trauma and Parkinson's can help implement preventive measures.
The significance of exercise and diet
Exercise, particularly vigorous physical activity, can decrease the risk of Parkinson's and slow its progression. The Mediterranean diet, low in animal products and high in fruits and vegetables, has shown evidence of reducing the risk of developing Parkinson's and potentially influencing its progression. Caffeine consumption, specifically through caffeinated coffee, has also been associated with a decreased risk of Parkinson's disease.
Dr. Ray Dorsey is a medical doctor and Professor of Neurology at the University of Rochester. He is working to identify and eliminate the root causes of Parkinson’s disease.
His research has been published in leading academic journals and featured in multiple news outlets.
In 2020, Ray and his colleagues wrote Ending Parkinson’s Disease, a book that provides a prescription for ending the world’s fastest growing brain disease.
In this episode, we discuss:
Parkinson's disease is the world's fastest growing brain disease
The two main symptoms of Parkinson’s
The role of the substantia nigra
Avoid pesticides like the plague
The challenges with brain diseases
3 ways to decrease your exposure to toxicants
The #1 cause of Parkinson’s in the US
The main concerns of TCE (trichloroethylene) & PCE (perchloroethylene)
Test your indoor air for vapor intrusion
Why TCE & PCE haven’t been banned yet
Do dry cleaners have a higher risk of Parkinson’s?
Genetic risk factors and Parkinson’s
How to minimize your pesticide exposure
The effects of air pollution on Parkinson’s
Filtering the air in your home
People who are at a high risk for Parkinson’s
Paraquat is more dangerous than glyphosate
Major pesticides used in North America
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) increase the risk of Parkinson’s
Head trauma and kids
Research on supplements for Parkinson’s
The Mediterranean diet benefits Parkinson’s
Caffeine consumption and Parkinson’s
Dr. Dorsey’s daily health routine
Living in a world free of Parkinson’s + How you can help
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