How to Prevent Parkinson's Disease

As of now, scientific research hasn't found a cure for Parkinson's or determined the exact cause of this disease, making its prevention almost impossible. There are approximately 1 million people in the United States living with this brain disorder. Parkinson's disease occurs when approximately 80 percent of certain nerve cells inside the brain become impaired by not being able to produce enough dopamine. Dopamine is a necessary chemical that aids in the function of muscle movement, balance and coordination. Parkinson's is not focused on any one ethnicity and affects both men and women. Listed below are several factors that may contribute to this disease, including three possible environmental causes that one may avoid.

Things You'll Need

• Access to drinking water besides that from a well
• Gloves, face masks and goggles when working with pesticides and herbicides

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Instructions

How To Prevent Parkinson's Disease

• 1

  Replace your intake of well water with spring water. Scientists believe that rural living may contribute to this disease, as researchers note that consuming well water could be a contributing factor. Although there has been no significant evidence of this augury, those living in rural communities are more likely to consume well water than those living in urban areas.

• 2

  Avoid exposure to the commonly used herbicide paraquat, as well as the pesticide rotenone. Paraquat is widely used in the United States as a chemical to kill weeds and grass. Only licensed applicators should use this chemical, as it is highly dangerous if used without the precautionary measures. If you are exposed to this herbicide, do not drink or inhale it.

• 3

  If you work with or are exposed to the pesticide rotenone, do not breathe in its dust or allow it to come into contact with your skin or eyes. Researchers have found that both paraquat and rotenone may be linked to the onset of Parkinson's because a chemical called MPTP has been found to be very similar to these substances. Studies found that the injection of MPTP into some animals immediately lead to the onset of Parkinson's.