Correlation Between Manganese Exposure & Parkinson's Disease

Manganese is present in our everyday lives as a natural substance, but there is evidence that prolonged over-exposure to manganese can be linked to the development of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's Disease

• Parkinson's disease is caused by the deterioration of the nerve cells in the brain that control muscle movement. Someone suffering from Parkinson's disease has muscular outbursts that he cannot control.

Symptoms

• Parkinson's can cause tremors, stiffness of the trunk and limbs, slowness of motion and impaired balance. In its early stages, the disease can go unnoticed, since symptoms are mild.

Manganese Exposure

• Exposure to manganese, a grayish metal that resembles iron used to strengthen steel, has been shown to cause Parkinson's in some patients. Welders often use manganese and are thus more likely to develop Parkinson's this way.

Prevention

• Welding should always be done in a well-ventilated area, preferably one with an exhaust fan system which carries the fumes away. A gas mask should be worn.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Diagnosis can be difficult, but if you think you might be developing Parkinson's, a doctor might recommend genetic testing, neuro-imaging, olfactory testing or autonomic testing. Some medicines have been shown to help many people with Parkinson's. In more severe cases, surgery might be more helpful.