New possible cause of Parkinson’s disease discovered… as experts race to answer why rates have DOUBLED

Scientists have proposed a concerning new theory to explain the surge in Parkinson’s disease, which suggests nearly everyone could have a more increased risk.

Parkinson’s is an incurable neurological disorder that gradually robs patients of their ability to control movement, causing tremors, stiffness and severe disability.

While the illness has long been linked to genetics and the environment, researchers in China now believe microplastics may also play a role.

In a review of more than 100 studies, the researchers said the tiny plastic fragments that enter the body daily through food and water could accumulate in the brain.

Once there, they warned the plastic could trigger the accumulation of toxic protein clumps linked to Parkinson’s.

Writing in their review, they said: ‘With the intensification of global plastic pollution, the potential threats posed by micro- and nanoplastics to human health have become a major concern.

‘[Microplastics] enter the organism through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, subsequently accumulating in multiple organs – particularly the brain.’ 

The warning comes as Parkinson’s cases have more than doubled globally in the last 25 years, with an estimated 8.9 million people now living with the disease. 

In the US, about 1.1 million people are estimated to have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a number that is set to double by 2040.

At the same time, plastic levels in the environment have surged.

Plastic debris first appeared in significant amounts in the 1960s, and is now virtually ubiquitous in the US environment.

Today, researchers estimate that the average American consumes about five grams of microplastics every week, the equivalent of a spoon full, 21 grams every month, the same as the weight of five casino die, and 125 grams every six months, or enough to fill a standard bowl of cornflakes.

Studies have already linked exposure to these plastics to numerous harmful effects, including infertility, cancer and developmental delays, which experts say is because they can damage cells or interfere with hormones.

Microplastics in the environment come from the degradation of larger plastic items that takes place during use or in the environment.  

In their study, the scientists — led by Gannan Medical University in southern China — noted that a microplastic is a plastic fragment smaller than five millimeters, while a nanoplastic is smaller than a thousandth of a millimeter. 

In the brain, they said they could cause toxic alpha-synuclein protein clumps to form, which are typically found in Parkinson’s patients.

The above graph shows the increase in Parkinson’s cases and deaths in the US 

The scientists based their observations on lab and animal studies (stock image)

In their review, the team cited evidence that the plastic particles could also cause neuroinflammation, disrupt cell communication and carry metals into the brain, which they said may also raise the risk of the disease.

Published in the Nature journal npj Parkinson’s Disease, researchers analyzed more than 100 studies based on animal testing or lab experiments

The scientists noted that they had only detected an association and said more research was needed to back up their claim.

Parkinson’s disease is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain, triggering irregular brain activity and the symptoms linked to the disease.

It is not clear why this happens, but previous research suggests these cells may be eliminated by the immune system misfiring. This could be caused by genetics and exposure to certain toxins, pesticides and even well water.

People at the highest risk of Parkinson’s are individuals aged over 60 years old and men, who are 50 percent more likely to develop the condition than women.

A study published earlier this month suggested people who get their drinking water from newer groundwater sources could be at greater risk of the disease because it contained more contaminants.

And a separate paper from January warned that people who play golf may be at higher risk from the disease because of exposure to pesticides used on golf courses.

There are no treatments available to cure the disease, although doctors do have drugs available that can slow the condition’s progression.