A new study conducted by the Barrow Neurological Institute in Arizona and the Mayo Clinic has found a potential link between living near golf courses and an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. According to the research, individuals living within one to three miles of a golf course had a 126% higher risk of developing the illness, as compared to those living more than six miles away. The findings suggest that pesticides used on golf courses may be contributing to the incidence of Parkinson’s in nearby residents. The study, published in the JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from 419 Parkinson’s patients living near 139 golf courses in southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin, and compared them to control data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project for the period of 1991 to 2015.
Lead study author Brittany Krzyzanowski, assistant professor at the Barrow Neurological Institute, emphasized the importance of understanding the environmental factors that may be contributing to Parkinson’s disease. She noted that the study found the strongest association between the risk of Parkinson’s and the presence of a golf course in water service areas with vulnerable groundwater. The researchers speculate that pesticides applied to golf courses may play a role, although the study did not include data on pesticide exposure. The study’s limitations include the inability to quantify the exact exposure levels each person received, as well as the specific region of Minnesota and Wisconsin where the study was conducted, which has a unique climate with hot and humid summers that may influence the frequency of pesticide application.
Experts such as Dr. Mary Ann Picone from Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, New Jersey, have called for more extensive research to validate the findings. While the study has raised concerns about the potential link between pesticide exposure and Parkinson’s disease, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed. The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, in response to the study, stated that the methodological limitations of the study make it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the role of golf course pesticides in Parkinson’s disease risk. The association also highlighted that pesticides used on golf courses are rigorously tested and registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and are used according to label directions to prevent adverse effects on human health and the environment.
Despite these concerns, the study underscores the importance of examining environmental factors in neurodegenerative diseases. The researchers emphasize that the findings should be interpreted with caution due to the study’s observational nature, which does not allow for causal conclusions. However, the study does raise important questions about the potential environmental risks associated with living near golf courses and the need for more comprehensive research to better understand these links. As the researchers and experts continue to explore the relationship between environmental exposure and Parkinson’s disease, it is crucial for individuals to consult with their healthcare providers if they have concerns about potential health risks associated with their living environment.