The goals of this expanded group will be very similar to those for CHE-PD; namely:
We will build on the excellent work already undertaken by members of CHE-PD, such as the Scientific Consensus Statement on Parkinson's Disease and the Environment, and related fact sheets. We also hope to draw in new participants whose expertise may focus on other neurodegenerative problems and who would like to have a forum to discuss scientific findings related to environmental contributors and their implications for health.
Resources
6/2/09: Parkinson's: The Pesticide Link
Scientists are closing in on the inescapable conclusion: Pesticides may be the cause of Parkinson's disease
Read article
6/2/09: Jackie Christenseon writes on living with Parkison's Disease in "I Can Speak For Myself, If You'll Let Me Do So" - Washington Post
When people first meet me, they may not be able to tell that I have Parkinson's disease. I'm 45, and the average age at diagnosis is 55 to 60. (I was 34 when my case was diagnosed.) I don't really have a tremor, and in 2006, I underwent deep brain stimulation, a procedure that controls most of the wriggling and writhing movements that I had been experiencing. But once I open my mouth to speak, it often becomes apparent that there is something going on.
It may be that the rigidity of my throat and chest muscles has made my voice soft and lacking inflection. Stiffness in my facial muscles can give me a blank expression or, even worse, make me seem angry or aloof. I may sound like I am trying to talk with a mouthful of marbles. The problem that bothers me the most -- because it seems to be especially disconcerting to others -- is the halting quality that my voice frequently takes on, especially if I'm nervous or upset. It's . . . as . . . if . . . what . . . I . . . want . . . to . . . say . . . has . . . to . . . be . . . squeezed . . . from . . . my . . . brain . . . to . . . come . . . out . . . of . . . my . . . mouth . . . as . . . individual . . . word . . . bubbles.
1/6/09: Meeting Report: Consensus Statement on Parkinson's Disease and the Environment
Environmental Health Perspectives
Full text: http://www.ehponline.org/members/2008/11702/11702.pdf
Abstract
Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. People with PD, their families, scientists, health care providers, and the general public are increasingly interested in identifying environmental contributors to PD risk.
Methods: In June 2007, a multidisciplinary group of experts gathered in Sunnyvale, California, USA, to assess what is known about the contribution of environmental factors to PD.
Results: We describe the conclusions around which they came to consensus with respect to environmental contributors to PD risk. We conclude with a brief summary of research needs.
Conclusions: PD is a complex disorder, and multiple different pathogenic pathways and mechanisms can ultimately lead to PD. Within the individual there are many determinants of PD risk, and within populations, the causes of PD are heterogeneous. Although rare recognized genetic mutations are sufficient to cause PD, these account for < 10% of PD in the U.S. population, and incomplete penetrance suggests that environmental factors may be involved. Indeed, interplay among environmental factors and genetic makeup likely influences the risk of developing PD. There is a need for further understanding of how risk factors interact, and studying PD is likely to increase understanding of other neurodegenerative disorders.
10/23/08: NEW REPORT - Environmental Threats to Healthy Aging
This report, put out by the Science and Environmental Health Network and Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility, examines the substantial impact environmental factors have on how we age.
Report website: www.AgeHealthy.org
The October CHE Partnership Call featured report co-authors Dr. Ted Schettler and Dr. Jill Stein, along with commentator Dr. Peter Whitehouse, and explored this fascinating and critically important topic. An MP3 recording of the call and many other resources are available on the call webpage.
Potato fields, pesticides and Parkinson's
Repeated pesticide exposures may cause Parkinson's disease in individuals who are probably genetically predisposed to the disease.
Selected References on Carbon Monoxide and Parkinsonism/Parkinson’s Disease - 13 August 2007
CHE PD Website Login Instructions - May 24, 2007
PARKINSON’S DISEASE AND THE ENVIRONMENT -- February 14, 2007
A factsheet developed by CHE's Working Group on Parkinson's Disease and the Environment
A Case-control Study of Parkinson's Disease in a Horticultural Region of British Columbia -- August 1, 2006
Age-Adjusted Death Rates for Parkinson Disease (United States, 1973-2003) -- February 21, 2006
Annual U.S. death rates for Parkinson disease increased during 1973--2003. Parkinson disease became the 14th leading cause of death in the United States in 2003. This increase might be attributable to multiple factors, including an aging population, greater awareness of the disease, and improved identification of cases.
