Preventing Parkinson's

Welcome to another edition of the Doctor’s Note where we talk about what’s on our minds when it comes to your health. 

Today I’ve been digging into the growing concern around Parkinson’s disease—especially how it’s no longer just about treatment, but prevention. We took a deep dive into “The Parkinson’s Plan,” a book written by two neurologists that not only highlights testimonies but maps out a plan to try and stop Parkinson’s before it starts. In this week’s episode, I shared how my own experiences in practice are mirroring the numbers. Parkinson’s is rising fast, and we need to start thinking differently.

Parkinson’s isn’t simply a genetic or age-related condition. It’s now understood as what I call a “man-made disease,” fueled by industrial chemicals, pollutants, and lifestyle choices. Through reviewing “The Parkinson’s Plan,” I broke down how exposures in our food, water, and air—pesticides, solvents, and even household practices like using dry cleaners—are raising our risk. Initial symptoms are often subtle: constipation, insomnia, loss of smell, and even mental health changes can all precede the classic tremors and gait issues. The conversation shifted to why men get Parkinson’s more often, the neuroprotective effects of estrogen, and the vital role of healthy living in defense—not just for treating, but hopefully preventing Parkinson’s altogether.

I rounded out the discussion with 25 practical steps from the book—many of which mirror the principles of good longevity and healthy aging. From nutrition and toxin avoidance to exercise, water filtration, and checking your local environment, these strategies overlap with what we already know about disease prevention. The bottom line is this: you can take conscious steps starting today to lower your risk, and in doing so, you’re not just protecting yourself but looking out for your family and community. Prevention truly is worth a pound of cure.

PODCAST NOTES 

• Parkinson’s is now the world’s fastest-growing neurodegenerative disease, with diagnosis rates outpacing even Alzheimer’s. Every six minutes, another American is diagnosed, and the death toll is rising—making this a truly pressing public health challenge that we cannot ignore.

• Contrary to popular belief, less than 15% of Parkinson’s cases have a genetic cause. The vast majority are linked to environmental factors—especially chemical exposures that have skyrocketed over the past two centuries as our world has become increasingly industrialized and polluted.

• The culprits are all around us: pesticides, solvents like TCE and PCE (used in dry cleaning and industrial processes), contaminated water, and air pollution are all linked to higher Parkinson’s risk. Even where you live or work—for example near a dry cleaner, golf course, or polluted urban area—matters significantly.

• Everyday choices add up. Living or working near certain risk zones (dry cleaners, golf courses, industrial/agricultural areas), and routine exposure to household chemicals, can substantially increase your odds of developing Parkinson’s. Properly airing out newly dry-cleaned clothes and avoiding those environments can reduce toxic load.

• Women have lower rates of Parkinson’s, in large part due to the protective effects of estrogen. Once women lose estrogen after menopause, their risk increases. This is just one reason why hormone replacement therapy should be discussed in an informed, thoughtful conversation with a knowledgeable health provider.

• Metabolic health is crucial. Diabetes, insulin resistance, and obesity increase your risk—not only for Parkinson’s but for many age-related diseases. Most Americans are insulin resistant due to poor dietary choices and excess weight. Regular screenings and lifestyle changes can make a real difference.

• Prevention is power. Washing produce well, prioritizing organic, wild-caught, hormone- and pesticide-free foods, and paying attention to both water and air quality in your home are manageable first steps. Use water filtration systems, air purifiers, and be especially cautious with pesticide or chemical usage around your home and garden.

• Healthy longevity strategies intertwine with Parkinson’s prevention. Regular exercise, sweating (through workouts or therapies like infrared sauna), good sleep hygiene, minimizing stress, avoiding unnecessary head trauma, and supporting those in high-risk groups (like veterans and farmers) remain foundational—these everyday actions not only defend your brain, but your overall vitality and resilience.

Parkinson’s disease isn’t something you’re simply born with or destined to get as you age—it’s closely tied to factors in your direct environment and lifestyle. Take stock of your personal and family exposures, and look for ways to reduce your risks starting now. Whether it’s swapping to cleaner foods, rethinking household habits, or investing in water and air filters, small changes add up. 

If you’re interested in a deeper dive, I highly recommend picking up The Parkinson’s Plan (by Ray Dorsey, MD, and Michael S. Okun, MD) and discussing your individualized prevention strategy with a knowledgeable provider.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” — Benjamin Franklin

Stay educated. Stay healthy. 

Till next week.