Science Friday Teasing Apart The Causes And Early Signs Of Parkinson’s
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Jan 16, 2026 Dr. Emily Tamadonfar, a neurologist at USC specializing in movement disorders, and Dr. Michael Okun, executive director at the Norman Fixel Institute, delve into the complexities of Parkinson's disease. They explore how early signs like smell loss and sleep disorders could hint at the disease's onset. The discussion highlights genetic and environmental risk factors, such as pesticides and air pollution, while emphasizing the need for improved biomarkers. They conclude with practical lifestyle interventions and the importance of reducing harmful exposures.
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Smell Loss And Dream Acting Precede Motor Signs
- Reduced sense of smell and REM sleep behavior disorder often appear years before motor symptoms.
- These prodromal signs help identify people at higher risk and guide early-detection studies.
Multiple Entry Points And Few Genetic Cases
- Parkinson's may begin outside the brain, via the nose or gut, with misfolded protein found in both.
- Genetic mutations explain only ~13–15% of cases, highlighting environmental influences.
Environmental Exposures Linked To Risk
- Epidemiology increasingly links air pollution, pesticides, and contaminated water to higher Parkinson's risk.
- Specific chemicals like paraquat and trichloroethylene show strong associations in studies.
