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Perry - I am so glad that this question has been posed by someone doing a study because I know that environmental factors, such as pollutants and pesticides are triggers or causative factors in conditions such as PD. I am convinced that my Dad's PD was caused by factors around his work. Dad's career was as a Police Officer in New York City. Dad, 80, was diagnosed with PD about 2 years ago. Just around that time I did a detailed nutritional assessment of him. One of the consistent findings is that there is a lot of LEAD in him. This did not involve physical tests, but series of questions relating to symptoms. I was puzzled about the lead, wondering if he could have gotten lead poisoning from wearing a bullet belt for so many hours a day. Good guess, but wrong answer. For awhile, Dad was a motorcycle patrolman. He also directed traffic at times. And of course he and a partner would drive around on street patrol with the windows open. This was during the time of leaded gasoline. All that time spent in NYC traffic contributed to his breathing in all the fumes. Isn't it "interesting" that 1 or 2 of his retired cop buddies also have PD? I wonder how many other retired ex-cops have PD? Taking this further, from what I can understand the reason that the so very crucial dopamine is not being produced is because of an enzyme malfunction, that the enzyme allowing dopamine production is suppressed. (Is that right?) Knowing a little bit about a preponderance of toxic metals, would it be incorrect to assume that lead has an antagonistic relationship with this particular enzyme? And why isn't this studied? (or is it?) I have suggested that Dad go for Chelation Therapy or at the very least take Apple Pectin (which removes lead from the body) but he won't do this. Instead of virtually a total focus on gene research which could muck up things in the body we are so ignorant of, I would much rather see more research done on the thousands of enzymes in our body. I would much rather we clean up our environment and our homes, diet and lifestyle than further messing up our world and our bodies. I would rather we clean up the toxins in our bodies than mess around with a mind boggling complicated genetic structure. I am convinced that Dad's PD was caused by his continuous exposure to leaded gasoline over many years and that this toxic lead is inhibiting normal biochemical processes in his system, on physical and sub-physical levels. I believe that if this lead were removed --- on all levels --- that his PD would disappear. If the sponsors of your study think this is a worthwhile avenue to study, they may want to begin with retired cops from big cities. I am sure there are many organizations of retired cops. And other professions. (unrelated to PD but related to toxic metals, dentists have a higher than average suicide rate: from all the toxic mercury vapors they have inhaled over the years which makes them depressed.) Perry, thank you so very much for exploring this avenue. I hope my comments may assist your research. - Marilyn - Marilyn Gang, [log in to unmask] At 12:34 PM 7/2/1999 EDT, Perry Cohen wrote: >One of the highlights of the PAN forum this week was a talk by Dr. Ken Olden >of the National Institute of Environmental Health Science. New evidence from >the "Twins Study" points primarily to environmental causes, or as Dr. Olden >indicated a genetic susceptibility that is triggered by an environmental >insult. (Environment includes such factors as diet and lifestlye, as well as >exposure to toxins.) > >If Congress appropriates budget increases (grass roots lobbiests at the Forum >are asking for $25 million for NIEHS), The NIEHS is planning a significant >effort to unravel the mysteries of the causes of PD. This research will not >only help prevent PD in the future, but it will also add >knowledge about the processes of development of the diseases which will likely >suggest new approaches to treatment. NIEHS is also part of a coordinated >effort underway (in an embryonic state so far) at NIH (led by NINDS and >including NIA and NIMH)to initiate a large scale prospective longitudinal >study of neurodegenerative diseases, similar to the Framingham Heart study. > >To launch their initiative, on July 22, NIEHS is conducting a brainstorming >"concept forum" to develop a PD research agenda. I have been invited to >participate with NIEHS on a panel that includes distinguished scientists such >as Dr. C. Tanner (Parkinson's Institute), Dr. T Dawson (Hopkins), Dr. L Nelson >(Stanford), and Dr. W. Olanow (Mt. Sinai). Although I have enough knowledge >of epidemiology to converse on the subject, I am primarily a patient >representative in the discussion. To carry out this role as effectively as >possible, I am seeking input on potential environmental triggers for PD. > >PLEASE RESPOND WITH THEORIES OR ANECDOTES FROM YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE >ABOUT POSSIBLE CAUSES OF PD. INCLUDE DOCUMENTATION AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION >IF AVAILABLE. > >Perry Cohen