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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Jackie Hunt Christensen, Parkinson Association of Minnesota, c/o 4044 Harriet Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55409, 612-325-0372, jackiehc@gmail.com

Parkinson's Disease is a progressive brain disorder that is second only to Alzheimer's disease as the most common neurodegenerative disease of the elderly. Parkinson's has steadily increased in prevalence and age-adjusted mortality over the past 30 years. It is linked with the death of brain cells that produce dopamine, a critical chemical messenger. While hereditary forms of Parkinson's exist, studies have demonstrated that hereditary factors are of little importance in most forms of Parkinson's disease. A number of recent epidemiologic studies demonstrate linkages between pesticide exposures and onset of Parkinson's. Some pesticides in use today act on the dopamine system in the brain, the system that is dysfunctional and diminished in people with Parkinson's. It is widely thought that pesticides that act on the dopamine system are likely to be acting in conjunction with other risk factors, including oxidative stress, contributing to the disease.

The goals of the Collaborative on Health and the Environment's Working Group on Parkinson's Disease and the Environment are to explore potential links between PD and contaminants or environmental exposures that may cause it; to provide a discussion forum conducive to interaction among researchers, health care providers, community groups and people affected by Parkinson's; to translate research and policy recommendations for the broader community; and to explore opportunities for collaboration on health promotion and disease prevention in Parkinson's. This presentation will highlight the emerging science, and discuss a number of groundbreaking efforts to engage the Parkinson's community to address the environmental contributors to this disease.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

• Describe the brain mechanisms hindered by Parkinson's disease and the prevalence and trends of the disease in society;
• Describe how environmental factors, especially pesticides, in conjunction with other factors like oxidative stress, impact brain function and are associated with the onset of Parkinson's disease;
• Describe at least three examples of collaborative activities led by people living with Parkinson's, Parkinson's organizations, researchers, and health professionals to elevate and address the linkages between Parkinson's and the environment.

Keywords: Environmental Health,

Related Web page: www.healthandenvironment.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation