Why are Parkinson’s Disease Rates Rising?
The Parkinson’s Foundation reports that nearly 1 million people in the United States are now living with Parkinson’s disease (PD)—a number that is expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030. After Alzheimer’s disease, it’s the second most common neurodegenerative disease, with nearly 90,000 people nationwide diagnosed each year (and men are 1.5 times more likely to have PD than women). However, perhaps most alarming of all, the World Health Organization adds that, as the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease has doubled in the past 25 years, instances of disability and death are growing at a faster rate for PD than any other neurological disorder worldwide.
The prevalence of Parkinson’s disease has doubled in the past 25 years, and instances of disability and death are growing at a faster rate for PD than any other neurological disorder worldwide.
With our aging population and as life expectancy rises, we can only expect these numbers to grow. Most PD cases develop after age 60; the National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes that only about 5% to 10% of people experience an early onset, which refers to development before age 50. Here, we will take a closer look at what Parkinson’s entails, plus some recent research that’s shedding more light on its link to environmental toxins, and how we can counteract some of its common side effects.
OVERVIEW OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE
The NIH outlines the predominant symptoms of PD as tremors (which may be present in the hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head), muscle stiffness, slowed movements, or compromised balance and coordination, which can cause falls. In terms of the associated brain changes, nerve cells in the basal ganglia are impaired or killed off. This is the part of the brain that integrates thoughts, feelings, and movements. It’s also involved with feeling pleasure, so when this area is compromised, there is less dopamine produced. As a result, people with PD can experience not only the physical challenges listed above, but also impairments in cognitive function, such as challenges with memory, attention, and the ability to plan and follow through with tasks. These effects can be worsened due to other symptoms like stress and depression. In advanced cases, those with PD can develop Parkinson’s dementia, which creates more serious memory and thinking problems that can greatly affect the quality of daily life. While genetics come into play when assessing PD risk, people can also be made more vulnerable by being exposed to certain environmental elements. The Parkinson’s Foundation notes that contributing factors can include:- Traumatic brain injury
- Occupation
- Area of residence
- Exposure to certain toxins like metals, solvents, pesticides, and herbicides
THE LINK BETWEEN PARKINSON’S DISEASE AND TRICHLOROETHYLENE (TCE)
One chemical that has been studied in greater detail for its association with PD is called trichloroethylene (TCE). According to one study, this industrial solvent and the now-ubiquitous environmental contaminant have been widely used to decaffeinate coffee, degrease metal parts, and dry-clean clothes—even though it was first linked to PD back in 1969. Furthermore, its damaging effects are not limited to only those who work closely with this chemical. The study notes that it now “pollutes outdoor air, taints groundwater, and contaminates indoor air…evaporates from underlying soil and groundwater and enters homes, workplaces, or schools, often undetected.” Researchers hypothesize that this chemical is one contributing factor—and a preventable one—that is leading to the increase in PD cases worldwide.4 WAYS TO INCREASE DOPAMINE NATURALLY IN PARKINSON’S PATIENTS
Though PD is clearly a complex disease, influenced by many factors, there are ways to balance certain side effects. For example, because Parkinson’s is associated with low levels of dopamine, it’s helpful to learn more about the various ways to increase dopamine naturally. As a reminder, dopamine is the chemical in our brains that’s associated with motivation, drive, and stimulation. It’s a chemical that flows in response to certain stimulating substances and activities—everything from cocaine and Ritalin to gambling and technology to ultra-processed foods. However, when dopamine levels dip too low, it can have detrimental effects, including low motivation, low energy, poor concentration, and impulse-control problems. In more serious cases, it can lead to certain forms of depression and ADD/ADHD. To counteract its reduced levels in those with PD, here are some simple and effective natural ways to boost dopamine levels:- Enjoy some high-intensity physical exercise. Regularly scheduled exercise has been shown to boost mood, thanks in part to its associated release of endorphins, which reduce stress and lead to a feeling of happiness. Physical activity has also been reported to help the brain more efficiently use the dopamine it already has.
- Consume the right nutrients. It’s easy to reach for junk foods to try to boost feel-good neurochemicals but resist the urge. Instead, support dopamine production with a diet that is rich in protein and the amino acid tyrosine, which is found in almonds, bananas, avocados, eggs, beans, fish, chicken, and dark chocolate. You can also take natural supplements like L-tyrosine or SAMe.
- Find a purpose. By engaging in work that is meaningful or exciting, people are more likely to feel the beneficial effects of dopamine release. You can also obtain this result by giving back through charitable efforts—in fact, even just thinking about helping others has been shown to have a positive effect!
- Avoid “synthetic” stimulants. It sounds counterintuitive, but behaviors that drum up too much artificial excitement, such as drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or engaging in risk-taking activities, can have the opposite effect over time. They eventually overwhelm your pleasure centers and deplete dopamine, which leads to feelings of numbness or an inability to experience pleasure.
