New possible cause of Parkinson’s disease discovered… as experts race to answer why rates have DOUBLED
Scientists have put forward a worrying new theory to explain the rise in Parkinson’s disease; This suggests that almost everyone may have a higher increase in risk.
Parkinson’s is an incurable neurological disease that gradually eliminates patients’ ability to control their movements, causing tremors, stiffness and severe disability.
While the disease has long been linked to genetics and the environment, researchers in China now believe microplastics may also play a role.
Researchers who examined more than 100 studies said that small plastic pieces that enter the body every day through food and water can accumulate in the brain.
Once there, they warned that the plastic could trigger the buildup of toxic protein clumps linked to Parkinson’s disease.
In their review, they wrote: ‘With global plastic pollution intensifying, the potential threats posed by micro and nanoplastics to human health have become a major concern.
‘[Microplastics] ‘It enters the organism through digestion, inhalation and skin contact and then accumulates in many organs, especially the brain.’
The warning is that cases of Parkinson’s have more than doubled globally in the last 25 years, with an estimated 8.9 million people living with the disease.
Michael J Fox (pictured above at the 32nd Annual Actor Awards earlier this month) was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991, and the diagnosis was announced in 1998. In 2000, he founded the Michael J Fox Foundation to fund Parkinson’s research.
It is estimated that approximately 1.1 million people in the United States are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and this number is expected to double by 2040.
At the same time, levels of plastic in the environment have increased.
Plastic debris first appeared in significant quantities in the 1960s and is now nearly ubiquitous in the U.S. environment.
Today, researchers predict It turns out that the average American consumes about five grams of microplastics every week, the equivalent of a spoonful, 21 grams a month, the weight of five casino dice, and 125 grams every six months, or enough to fill a standard bowl of cereal.
Research already shows that exposure to these plastics is linked to numerous harmful effects, including infertility, cancer, and developmental delays. Experts say this can damage cells or interfere with hormones.
Microplastics in the environment result from the degradation of larger plastic items that occur during use or in the environment.
Scientists led by Gannan Medical University in Southern China noted in their study that microplastic is a piece of plastic smaller than five millimeters, while nanoplastic is smaller than one thousandth of a millimeter.
They said they could cause toxic alpha-synuclein protein clumps to form in the brain, typically found in Parkinson’s patients.
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How should we respond to the possibility that everyday plastics may be fueling the Parkinson’s epidemic?
The chart above shows the increase in Parkinson’s cases and deaths in the US
Scientists based their observations on laboratory and animal studies (stock image)
In their review, the team cited evidence that plastic particles can also cause neuroinflammation, disrupt cell communication, and transport metals to the brain, which can increase the risk of disease.
Published in Nature magazine npj Parkinson’s DiseaseResearchers analyzed more than 100 studies based on animal tests or laboratory experiments
Scientists stated that they had only identified an association and that more research was needed to support their claims.
Parkinson’s disease is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain, triggering irregular brain activity and symptoms associated with the disease.
It’s not clear why this happens, but previous research suggests that these cells may be eliminated due to misfiring by the immune system. This may be due to genetics and exposure to certain toxins, pesticides, or even well water.
People at highest risk of developing Parkinson’s disease are men and people over the age of 60; These people are 50 percent more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than women.
A study published earlier this month suggested that people who get their drinking water from newer groundwater sources may be at higher risk of disease because it contains more contaminants.
A separate article published in January warned that people who play golf may be at higher risk of contracting the disease due to exposure to pesticides used on golf courses.
Although there is no treatment to cure the disease, doctors have medications that can slow the progression of the disease.
