pesticide exposure in Parkinsons disease

Parkinson's disease is a chronic progressive disease, with rigidity,
bradykinesia, tremor and impaired balance, mainly due to degeneration of
dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Genetic factors account for a
minority of cases, in most cases the etiology remains enigmatic.

Recent studies suggest a multifactorial etiology, with genetic and
environmental factors, including pesticides. Some pesticides have evoked
substantia nigra damage in experimental studies.

Several Parkinson patients who live in the same small rural region with a small
population (only 70 inhabitants) reported a remarkable prevalence of parkinsons
disease (of about 10 patients) in their villag. The expected prevalence of
parkinsons disease is about 3 per 1000. Corrected for age the prevalence is
still remarkable. Some of these patients have asked for investigation of
environmental or genetic factors.

A single standardised interview of demografics, intoxications, medical history,
domestic and professional history, water consumption en exposure to pesticides,
family history and pedigree in case of familial parkinson occurrence.
This population will be investigated for know genetic riskfactors for
parkinsons disease or for susceptibility to pesticides.

vein puncture and interview