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Beyond Parkinson's 1. There appears to be a genetic component in the causation of many of the neurodegenerative conditions. 2. A double hit hypothesis seems to be in current favor for causation. 3. If genetics provide the first hit, then some toxin in the world around us may provide the second hit a) in the pugilistica variety, repeated pummeling of the head would appear to damage the dopamine system b) Barbeau et al discovered a higher than normal incidence of PD in an area of Quebec using a type of fertilizer c) there are several anecdotal reports of higher than normal incidence of PD in areas near landfill and garbage disposal sites. d) incidence appears to be increasing, in part due no doubt to superior diagnostic skills, but possibly due to other factors e) We don't know if the disease mechanism mutates over time 4. What conclusions, if any may be drawn from these observations? a) any conclusions must be viewed as highly speculative b) the incubation period may be shortening c) higher numbers of young onset patients may be the result of a sort of mutation d) there might be validity to the thought that modern chemicals could be the toxin e) the phrase ‘environmental toxin' will have to be broadly defined Stress, for example is known to exacerbtate PD 5. What behavioural observations can be made a) if there's a PD history in your family have your dwellng place far away from garbage disposal sites b) don't be a fighter c) learn to manage stress well Comments please