The type of water you drink may increase your risk of Parkinson's
2026-03-04 13:10:44
TiranaPost
A study suggests that the specific type of water you drink may increase your risk for Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson's, which affects about 1 million Americans (since there are statistics out there), is a progressive neurological disorder caused by the death of nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine. The lack of dopamine leads to tremors, balance problems, stiffness, and difficulty speaking, symptoms that worsen over time.
The disease is thought to be on the rise in the US, which experts link to environmental exposures such as pollution and pesticides.
Now, researchers in New York and Arizona are focusing on drinking water sources.
The team analyzed more than 12,000 people with Parkinson's and over 1 million without the disease who lived near groundwater monitoring points. They found that people who got their water from newer groundwater sources, created in the last 75 years, were 11% more likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson's than those who used older sources.
Also, those who were supplied with water from carbonate aquifers, underground layers of rock that hold and transmit water, were up to 62% more likely to develop Parkinson's compared to those who used glacial sources.
Experts believe that older groundwater usually has fewer pollutants because it comes from greater depths and is more protected from surface pollution, such as heavy metals and pesticides.
Aquifers are widespread in the U.S. and supply water to about 145 million Americans. Glacial aquifers, formed during the Ice Age, are thought to provide the best natural filtration, as they are composed of sand and gravel.
About half of the drinking water in the US comes from underground sources.
The researchers emphasize that the study, which is expected to be presented at the 78th annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, does not prove that younger groundwater causes Parkinson's, but it shows that there may be a link.
Study author Brittany Krzyzanowski from the Atria Research Institute in New York said:
The Parkinson's Foundation estimates that by 2030, about 1.2 million Americans will be diagnosed with the disease, with about 90,000 new cases recorded each year, a 50% increase compared to a decade ago.
The results showed that:
Water from carbonate aquifers was associated with a 24% higher risk of Parkinson's compared to other sources.
When compared to glacial aquifers, the risk increased to 62%.
Groundwater from the last 75 years is associated with an 11% increased risk compared to much older water.
According to the researchers, in carbonate systems, young water is more exposed to surface pollution, while older water can remain cleaner if it is isolated by a protective layer. Meanwhile, glacial aquifers slow down the movement of water and naturally filter pollution.
Experts add that boiling water and using household filters can help remove some contaminants.
