Is Parkinson’s Preventable? Our Guest Says Yes

Renowned neurologist and researcher Dr. Ray Dorsey unequivocally writes that we’re “fueling the rise of Parkinson’s with continued and increased use of toxic chemicals that pollute our food, water, and air.” He co-authored the New York Times bestseller, “The Parkinson's Plan: A New Path to Prevention and Treatment,” which explains that fewer than 15% of Parkinson’s disease cases are linked to genetics.

Parkinson’s disease is now the fastest-growing neurodegenerative condition in the world, affecting more than 1 million Americans.

Dr. Dorsey discusses evidence linking Parkinson’s risk to pesticides used on farms and golf courses, solvents used in dry cleaning, and long-term exposure to industrial chemicals. He also outlines why he believes Parkinson’s is not an inevitable consequence of aging and why prevention should be a national priority.

At the same time, this conversation addresses a key point of debate. Representatives from the chemical industry have pushed back on these conclusions, arguing there has been a rush to judgment and that some large studies do not support a causal link between specific chemicals and Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Dorsey responds directly, pointing to decades of toxicology data, animal studies, and historical evidence that he says warrants action now rather than further delay.

“I don’t think we’re rushing to judgment at all. A century of evidence is long enough. The real question is why safer alternatives were not introduced years ago,” says Dr. Dorsey.

Join “Conversations on Health Care” hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter to learn why Dr. Dorsey believes cleaning up our environment may be one of the most powerful public health tools we have right now.