New research reveals that exposure to air pollution, especially in metropolitan areas, dramatically increases the risk of developing Parkinson's disease and leads to more severe disease progression, underscoring the urgent need for pollution control measures. Study: Air Pollution and Parkinson Disease in a Population-Based Study . Image Credit: Chinnapong / Shutterstock In a recent study published in the JAMA Network Open , a group of researchers evaluated the association between air pollution exposure and the risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD), as well as its impact on clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with PD.
Background PD affects around 2% of people aged 70 and older, with cases expected to triple in the next 20 years. Environmental factors, genetic predisposition, and air pollution have been linked to PD risk. Studies suggest that particulate matter (PM 2.
5 ) and ultrafine particles can cross the blood-brain barrier, causing inflammation and oxidative stress, possibly contributing to PD development. Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), another traffic-related pollutant, has also been implicated in PD risk. Further research is needed to clarify how air pollution influences PD risk and progression, particularly in metropolitan areas, and to explore potential interventions for reducing this risk.
About the study The present case-control study was granted an exemption from review and informed consent by the Mayo Clinic institutional reviewer board, with all par.