Because researchers have such a limited understanding of the cause of Parkinson’s disease, there are currently no definite ways to reduce your risk of developing this condition.
Some studies have suggested that certain factors can lower your risk of Parkinson's disease. Examples include:
However, these were observational studies. They do not prove a cause and effect relationship for preventing Parkinson's disease. Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking any new medicine. The side effects may outweigh any potential benefits.
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Parkinson's disease. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated June 6, 2012. Accessed August 22, 2012.
Parkinson Disease. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.n... . Accessed August 22, 2012.
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6/17/2011 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/ : Xu Q, Park Y, Huang X, Hollenbeck A, Blair A, Schatzkin A, Chen H. Physical activities and future risk of Parkinson disease. Neurology. 2010;75(4):341-348.
Last reviewed September 2012 by Rimas Lukas, MD
Last Updated: 09/12/2012