A combination of two factors may triple your risk of developing Parkinson's disease. A new study shows people who've had a head injury and have lived or worked near areas where the pesticide paraquat was used may be three times more likely to develop Parkinson's disease.
Paraquat is an herbicide commonly used on crops to control weeds. Researchers say physical changes triggered by a head injury may make brain cells more vulnerable to pesticides, or chronic exposure to pestidicides may increase the risk of Parkinson's after a head injury.
The study, in the medical journal Neurology, took place in an agricultural area in central California.
Paraquat is an herbicide commonly used on crops to control weeds. Researchers say physical changes triggered by a head injury may make brain cells more vulnerable to pesticides, or chronic exposure to pestidicides may increase the risk of Parkinson's after a head injury.
The study, in the medical journal Neurology, took place in an agricultural area in central California.
Charlotte Ames is the area's only local Health Reporter and brings you the latest medical health news weeknights. You can catch Healthcast on WTAJ News at 5:00pm and her Health Headlines report on WTAJ News at 5:30pm.