'Parkinson's link with pesticide' HEALTH.Byline: JOHN VON RADOWITZ PEOPLE with raised levels of a particular pesticide pesticide, biological, physical, or chemical agent used to kill plants or animals that are harmful to people; in practice, the term pesticide is often applied only to chemical agents. in their blood may have an increased risk of Parkinson's disease Parkinson's disease or Parkinsonism, degenerative brain disorder first described by the English surgeon James Parkinson in 1817. When there is no known cause, the disease usually appears after age 40 and is referred to as Parkinson's disease. , it has been claimed. Scientists believe it could lead to a blood test that would identify potentially susceptible individuals and give protective treatment. Blood levels of Beta-HCH (hexachlorocyclohexane hexachlorocyclohexane a compound whose gamma isomer is gammexane or lindane. ) were markedly higher among Parkinson's patients. Study leader Professor Dwight German, of University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, said: "The disease is not diagnosed until after significant nerve damage has occurred. "A test for this risk factor might allow for early detection and protective treatment." |
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