Environmental Toxins and Parkinson's Disease (original) (raw)

This chapter explores the interplay between environmental toxins and the development of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). It discusses the influence of genetic factors, normal aging, and the degeneration of the nigrostriatal pathway on PD progression. Key findings indicate that normal aging leads to a marked decline in striatal dopamine concentrations and an increase in tissue damage caused by free radicals. The chapter also emphasizes the complex relationship between environmental factors and neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that while specific chemical exposure lacks consistent links to PD, further investigation may clarify these interactions.