A widely used agricultural pesticide may pose a greater threat to brain health than previously recognized. Researchers at UCLA Health report that long-term exposure to chlorpyrifos near the home is associated with a more than 2.5-fold increase in the risk of developing Parkinson's disease.
The study, published in Molecular Neurodegeneration, combined evidence from hundreds of people with laboratory experiments designed to uncover exactly how the pesticide affects the brain. The results suggest that chlorpyrifos can damage critical nerve cells involved in movement and may play a direct role in the development of Parkinson's disease.
Why Parkinson's Disease Matters
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects nearly one million Americans. The condition develops when specialized brain cells that produce dopamine gradually die off. Dopamine is a chemical messenger that helps control movement, coordination, and balance.
As dopamine levels decline, people may experience symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement, and difficulty maintaining balance. Although certain genetic factors can increase risk, researchers have increasingly focused on environmental exposures that may contribute to the disease.
