Everyday Anarchism 176. Building a World without Parkinson's -- Ray Dorsey
Jan 7, 2026
Ray Dorsey, a neurologist and co-author of The Parkinson's Plan, dives deep into the environmental roots of Parkinson's disease. He argues that man-made chemicals are significant, preventable culprits behind rising rates of the illness. Dorsey connects the dots between industrialization and public health, revealing links between pesticides and Parkinson's risk. He emphasizes the need for radical changes and prevention strategies, offering practical actions to mitigate risks and improve lives. A compelling call for a healthier future!
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Sabbatical Sparked The Parkinson's Plan
- Ray used a sabbatical to study why Parkinson's exploded since its 1817 description.
- He traces the rise to environmental changes tied to industrialization and chemical use.
Rising Neurological Disease Reflects Systemic Harm
- Rising brain diseases and cancers among younger people signal systemic environmental harms.
- Dorsey links these trends to contaminated food, air, and consumer products that society tolerates.
Paraquat And Other Pesticides Raise Risk
- Strong epidemiologic links tie specific pesticides (e.g., paraquat) to large increases in Parkinson's risk.
- Despite bans in many countries, the U.S. continues to permit and use some high-risk pesticides.
