Parkinson’s disease is increasingly common, and here are five expert strategies to lower your risk.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The podcast Chasing Life With Dr. Sanjay Gupta delves into the science behind life’s big and small mysteries. You can listen to episodes here (https://swap.fm/l/clsgart120825).
The condition was once dubbed the “Shaking Palsy.”
Over two centuries ago, Dr. James Parkinson used those words in an essay to describe a set of symptoms that affected six people in London. He was the first to identify and document what we now call Parkinson’s disease, a progressive movement disorder. The disease stems from damage to dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to muscle stiffness, slowed movement, balance challenges, and a range of related issues.
Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter involved in the brain’s reward system. It plays a central role in motivation, executive function (such as attention, decision-making, multitasking, and planning), movement, and emotional regulation.
By 2021, global public health data showed nearly 12 million people living with Parkinson’s. Projections suggest the number could exceed 25 million by 2050. The impact extends beyond the individual, affecting families, communities, and society at large.
“We’re now seeing neurodegenerative disease grow faster than Alzheimer’s,” neurologist Dr. Michael Okun told CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta on Chasing Life.
Parkinson’s is far more than a tremor-heavy condition. Since its early observations in 1817, researchers have learned that root causes, disease progression, and reliable diagnostics remain only partly understood.
“It’s clear this isn’t just a brain issue or a dopamine issue. We see effects in the gut, the skin, and multiple organs,” said Okun, who co-founded and co-directs the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at the University of Florida and serves as medical director for the Parkinson’s Foundation. “That’s why asking why it begins, why it advances, and why it spreads is so important.”
Genetics account for roughly 10–15% of cases. For many others, environmental factors—such as toxins in air, water, food, or everyday products—may contribute.
“We have a real opportunity now to move beyond the idea that Parkinson’s is inevitable,” Okun noted. His latest book, The Parkinson’s Plan: A New Path to Prevention and Treatment (coauthored with Dr. Ray Dorsey), explores links between the disease and various chemicals that quietly attack the body.
You can listen to the full episode here (https://swap.fm/l/clsgart120825).
What practical steps can help reduce Parkinson’s risk? Okun highlights five favorites from his book, with practical tips below.
1) Filter drinking water. A simple carbon filter for the kitchen faucet can cut back on hidden toxicants that may stress vulnerable brain systems. Cleaner water lowers the daily chemical load faced by the gut and brain. These filters can lower exposure to pesticides and solvents such as trichloroethylene (TCE), a chemical used in dry cleaning, coffee decaffeination, and metal degreasing. The EPA began implementing a broad ban on TCE in late 2024, though some legal actions have affected the timeline.
2) Purify indoor air. Use air purifiers at home and work to remove fine particulates that may contribute to disease risk via the nose‑to‑brain pathway. Choose units with carbon filters capable of capturing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like TCE, which can irritate eyes, nose, and throat and potentially damage organs over time.
3) Wash produce thoroughly. Rinsing and scrubbing fruits and vegetables helps remove pesticide residues that can quietly harm mitochondria over time, reducing the brain’s toxin load. As with handwashing, spend at least about 20 seconds on rinsing.
4) Stay physically active every day. Regular movement supports brain health and may delay or lessen Parkinson’s symptoms. A practical routine is four 20‑minute walks (roughly 7,000 steps total) or an equivalent activity that keeps the body moving. For those who feel unsteady, a recumbent stationary bike is a safe alternative. Exercise helps activate natural dopamine circuits, improve mobility, and may slow progression.
5) Prioritize sleep and caffeine. Aim for consistent, high-quality sleep to let the brain’s cleaning processes work overnight, which supports recovery and brain health. In the morning, a cup of caffeinated coffee or tea has been associated with a lower risk of Parkinson’s, potentially by protecting dopamine-producing neurons from environmental toxins.
EDITOR’S NOTE: These five strategies aim to reduce exposure to environmental and chemical factors linked to Parkinson’s. Listen to the full episode here (https://swap.fm/l/clsgart120825). Join us next week for another installment of the Chasing Life podcast.
