New research in the United States has identified a significant link between air pollution, specifically fine particle pollution (PM2.5), and an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The study, led by Brittany Krzyzanowski from the Barrow Neurological Institute in Arizona, found that even moderate levels of PM2.5 pollution were associated with a 56 percent higher risk of developing the neurological disease.
Previous studies have shown that PM2.5 pollution can lead to inflammation in the brain, a known mechanism by which Parkinson’s disease can develop. This new research sheds light on the geographic variability in this association, revealing that the strength of the relationship between air pollution and Parkinson’s disease differs by region within the United States.
Strong Association Between Fine Particle of Air Pollution and Neurological Disease
Using data from the US’s Medicare dataset, which included approximately 22 million individuals, the researchers identified nearly 90,000 people with Parkinson’s disease and geocoded their residences to specific regions. This enabled the calculation of disease rates in different areas and the assessment of annual PM2.5 concentrations in these regions.
The study unveiled a Parkinson’s disease hotspot in the Mississippi-Ohio River Valley, along with other affected regions including central North Dakota, parts of Texas, Kansas, eastern Michigan, and parts of Florida. Conversely, individuals living in the western half of the US were found to be at a reduced risk of developing the disease compared to other areas.
The study suggests that regional differences in Parkinson’s disease might be influenced by variations in the composition of particulate matter in the air. Some regions may have particulate matter containing more toxic components, potentially due to high road network density, traffic-related combustion particles, and heavy metals from manufacturing—all of which have been linked to cell death in the brain areas associated with Parkinson’s disease.
The researchers hope that their findings will contribute to the development of stricter policies aimed at reducing air pollution levels and subsequently decreasing the risk of Parkinson’s disease and other associated health issues. They also note that such population-based geographic studies can provide valuable insights into the role of environmental toxins in neurological disease development and progression.
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