Can Parkinson’s Be Prevented? New Research, Environmental Risks & What You Can Do Now in Your Own Home

When most people think of Parkinson’s disease, they picture a progressive, inevitable disorder. But what if that view is changing? In Oprah Daily’s article “Can Parkinson’s Be Prevented? New Research Says Yes,” two doctors share a bold vision: Parkinson’s might not just be treatable—it may largely be preventable.

What if many cases of Parkinson’s could be prevented before they even begin—right in your home, using everyday choices? Read on to discover how emerging research links environment, lifestyle, and actionable steps to cut Parkinson’s risk.

​Parkinson’s Prevention: The New Frontier
Dr. Ray Dorsey argues one of the most surprising truths is that Parkinson’s is preventable for the vast majority of people. Over 85% of Parkinson’s cases are not linked to known genetic mutations, suggesting that external factors—diet, environment, exposures—play a larger role than once believed.
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Dr. Jonathan Okun adds that people often assume Parkinson’s is like Alzheimer’s—untreatable and irreversible—but the truth is more hopeful. With medications, surgeries, and behavioral interventions, we have far more levers to influence Parkinson’s than many realize

Environmental Risk: The Hidden Villain
One of the most striking revelations is the link between Parkinson’s and environmental exposures. According to Dorsey, decades of epidemiological studies point to increased Parkinson’s risk—sometimes up to 500% —among individuals exposed to chemicals such as paraquat (a pesticide), trichloroethylene (a dry cleaning solvent), and air pollution. In lab animals, these same compounds reproduce key Parkinsonian features, like tremors, when administered.

This evidence suggests that what we breathe, ingest, or come into contact with daily—at home, work, or in our communities—can provoke neurodegeneration. For example, living near a golf course where pesticides are used, or drinking water contaminated via groundwater runoff, may increase exposure to these neurotoxic chemicals.

The “Parkinson’s 25”: Practical Steps to Reduce Risk
In their plan, the doctors outline a preventive checklist dubbed the “Parkinson’s 25.” Here are a few of the most actionable items:

• Use indoor air purifiers and ensure proper ventilation to reduce airborne pollutants.
• Filter your water, especially if your source is well water or if you live near pesticide-intensive zones.
• Adopt a Mediterranean-style diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods.
• Drink caffeinated coffee, which some studies associate with slightly lower Parkinson’s risk.
• Be cautious of proximity to pesticide use, such as living near golf courses or farms that spray chemicals. Their residues can drift into air, soil, and water—the invisible pathways of risk.

These steps don’t guarantee immunity, especially for those with rare genetic predispositions—but they offer a meaningful way to reduce risk in populations for whom environment is a major determinant.

Why This Matters
If Parkinson’s is partly preventable, then prevention becomes the most powerful intervention of all. Instead of waiting for symptoms and then reacting, we can proactively change how we live--cleaning our air and water, reducing exposures, eating better, and advocating for safer environments. This shifts Parkinson’s from an inevitable fate to a challenge we can meaningfully confront.

Ending Parkinson's Disease: A Prescription for Action. New Book: by Dr. Michael Okun, Dr. Ray Dorsey, Dr. Todd Sherer, and Dr. Bastille. 

Why Support Matters
A diagnosis of any form of Parkinson’s can feel overwhelming. But with the right support and resources, individuals can maintain independence, quality of life, and emotional well-being.
For resources, referrals, and support in navigating Parkinson’s and related conditions, contact the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida at www.paswfl.org or call 239-417-3465.

For over 25 years, PASWFL has provided free, high-quality services and programs to individuals and families touched by Parkinson’s disease in Southwest Florida. Their goal is simple: help people live well with PD, regardless of where they are in their journey.

Each week, PASWFL offers more than 25 free programs and support groups, including:

• Wellness and fitness classes
• Speech exercise classes
• Educational seminars
• Support for care partners
• Support groups

There are no fees to become a member, and PASWFL welcomes anyone touched by PD.

Take the First Step Toward Living Well
If you suspect early Parkinson’s or have been recently diagnosed, you don’t have to face it alone.
👉 Click here to sign up for the PASWFL newsletter:
https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/signup-enews.html
👉 Click here to become a member… it’s free and confidential:
https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/signup.html

To learn more, visit www.paswfl.org and discover the power of support, education, and community.