Golf course proximity linked to higher Parkinson’s disease risk

Living near golf courses may increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, according to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open by researchers from the Barrow Neurological Institute and Mayo Clinic. The study found that residents living within 1 to 2 miles of a golf course had nearly triple the odds of developing Parkinson’s disease, with the highest risk observed in areas where golf courses were situated in regions susceptible to groundwater contamination.

Previous research has identified environmental risk factors, such as pesticide exposure, as contributors to the development of Parkinson’s disease. In the United States, golf courses are treated with pesticides at levels up to 15 times higher than those in Europe, raising concerns about potential environmental contamination. The proximity to golf courses has been suggested as a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease due to groundwater and drinking water contamination.

The study, titled “Proximity to Golf Courses and Risk of Parkinson Disease,” conducted a population-based case-control study using data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project. The cohort included 419 Parkinson’s disease cases and 5,113 matched controls from a 27-county region in southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

Researchers used address-level data to assess the proximity to golf courses, mapping golf course boundaries using satellite imagery and linking them to participant addresses. They also analyzed water service areas and groundwater vulnerability data to categorize regions based on the presence of a golf course and susceptibility to contamination.

The study found that living 1 to 2 miles from a golf course was associated with a 198% higher odds of Parkinson’s disease, while those living 2 to 3 miles away had a 121% higher odds. Risk decreased by approximately 13% per additional mile beyond 3 miles. Residents in water service areas with a golf course had a 96% higher odds of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those without a golf course in their water service area.

The findings highlight the potential impact of pesticide exposure and environmental susceptibility on the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The study suggests that evaluating groundwater contamination and implementing protective measures in vulnerable areas could help mitigate exposure risks. Addressing pesticide application practices on golf courses and monitoring groundwater quality may be crucial in reducing the risk of Parkinson’s disease in nearby populations.

In conclusion, the study sheds light on the association between living near golf courses and an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease, emphasizing the importance of environmental factors in disease development. By understanding and addressing these risks, public health measures can be implemented to reduce the impact of pesticide exposure and groundwater contamination on Parkinson’s disease risk.