March 31, 2017.
Parkinson’s diseases are said to be more frequent near farms. A French study has just established a direct link between the use of pesticides and the prevalence of this neurodegenerative disease.
More Parkinson’s Drugs Prescribed Near Farms
While the highest prevalence of Parkinson’s disease in farmers has already been proven, with regular contact with pesticides, this is the first time that scientists highlight the increased risk of developing this neurodegenerative disease in people living near these farms. Inserm researchers are interested in this subject and their conclusions have just been the subject of a scientific study.
To arrive at this observation, these researchers simply cross-checked the geographical data concerning the French agricultural cantons with the places of prescription of antiparkinsonian drugs. Conclusion: a noticeable increase in disease is observed in these agricultural regions. But all the cantons do not seem equal in the face of this observation and researchers have noted a clear increase in cases in French wine regions.
The vineyards would be the most affected
” The strongest correlation is in fact that linked to the highest presence of vineyards. “, Indicate the authors of this study in a press release. ” It increased the local incidence by about 10%. This association is found in different wine regions. Data points in the same direction when farmers and agricultural workers are excluded from the analysis “, Further note the researchers.
The latter also analyzed the age of the people most affected by this disease, which affects 1.5% of the French population, in the regions concerned.. It would seem that it is from the age of 75 that a significant increase in the number of cases, compared to other French regions, is observable.. According to the authors, this finding could be linked to their longer exposure to pesticides. In particular, they highlight the impact of substances, which are prohibited today, such as organochlorines. But to confirm this information, other studies will have to be started, and Inserm researchers are working in particular on a more individual observation of these cases, and no longer just by canton.
Sybille Latour
Read also: Parkinson’s disease would originate in the intestines
