More conclusive proof that chemical conta... - Cure Parkinson's

"exposure to a commonly used class of insecticide, pyrethroids, synergized with the risk conferred by this SNP (odds ratio=2.48, P=0.007), thereby identifying a novel gene–environment interaction that promotes risk for PD via alterations in immune responses"

GinnyBerry4 years ago

Well, as a scientist, I wouldn’t call this “conclusive proof”. 😀

But, I certainly find it compelling. I am very healthy. I have not been exposed to pesticides or the like. But I first started seeing my symptoms— loss of taste and smell — at 42. And I’m a chemist. A chemist who stupidly took pride in being able to identify chemicals by their smell.

The unique chemicals I was most exposed to were isocyanates, carbodiimides, and, to a lesser extent, cyanides. Like most chemists, I liberally used isopropanol, toluene, pyridine and other organic solvents.

pdpatient in reply to GinnyBerry4 years ago

GinnyBerry, you are correct. I should have used the word "compelling proof" and not "convincing".

People ask me what difference does it make what causes or caused Parkinson's in me or anyone else. The answer is that the knowledge at least gives us a fighting chance to save or at least prolong the life of the remaining dopamine producing neurons in us. In turn, this would hopefully give us a little more time on the planet with a somewhat better quality of life.

BTW, you seem to have handled your diagnosis pretty well at 42. I was diagnosed at 48 (the same summer as Robin Williams) and had a pretty bad time with it. Suffice it to say that I am a huge fan of his movies and nearly followed him to the next world or wherever he ended up 😇