A recent study has revealed why living in close proximity to a golf course might significantly elevate the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Currently, approximately 10 million individuals globally are affected by Parkinson’s, and projections indicate this number could soar to 20 million by 2050.
Each year, 90,000 new cases of Parkinson’s—a disease characterized by the gradual degeneration of certain brain regions—are identified. Various factors potentially contribute to the onset of Parkinson’s, with a new study highlighting that residing within a mile of a golf course might double the risk.
Researchers in the United States suggest that the pesticides employed to maintain golf course greens and fairways could be the reason behind these concerning statistics.
The research team from Barrow Neurological Institute in Arizona analyzed health data from individuals residing near 139 golf courses in southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
The findings were startling: living within one mile of a golf course increases the likelihood of a Parkinson’s diagnosis by 126 percent compared to those living six miles away. Furthermore, each additional mile away from the course decreases the risk of developing the disease by 13 percent.
Dr. Brittany Krzyzanowski, in the journal Jama Network Open, discussed these findings: “These findings suggest that pesticides applied to golf courses may play a role in the incidence of Parkinson’s disease for nearby residents.
“Public health policies to reduce the risk of groundwater contamination and airborne exposure from pesticides on golf courses may help reduce risk of Parkinson’s disease in nearby neighbourhoods.”
The research also indicates that pesticides from golf courses can contaminate groundwater, with certain pesticides being linked to Parkinson’s.
Dr. Katherine Fletcher, a research lead at Parkinson’s UK, stated: “Parkinson’s is complex. The causes of the condition are unclear and are likely to involve both genetic and environmental factors.
“Many studies have investigated whether pesticides increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s in different populations around the world.
“The results have been varied, but overall suggest that exposure to pesticides may increase the risk of the condition.”
Parkinson’s disease symptoms usually emerge slowly and may start mildly, yet early signs should not be overlooked. The primary symptoms affecting physical movement include tremors, a slow down in movement, and muscle stiffness. Additional symptoms can involve balance issues, nerve pain, and a loss of the sense of smell.