Parkinson's disease incidence is rising 60% faster than Alzheimer's, with projections of 12 million cases by 2035, largely due to environmental toxins.
2
Parkinson's is a whole-body disease, not just a brain disorder, with early non-movement symptoms like constipation, sleep disturbances, and loss of smell, and links to skin and bone health.
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Key environmental toxins implicated include pesticides (e.g., chlorpyrifos, paraquat), dry cleaning chemicals (trichloroethylene), and air pollution (heavy metals, particulate matter), which act as mitochondrial poisons.
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Prevention involves reducing exposure to these toxins through actions like washing produce, using water filters (carbon, reverse osmosis), air purifiers, and advocating for policy changes against harmful chemicals.
Protocols
Concrete recipes — what, when, how much, and why
5 items
Reduce Exposure to Golf Course Pesticides
WhatTake precautions to minimize exposure to pesticides used on golf courses, especially if living nearby or playing frequently.
WhenWhen living near or playing on golf courses.
For whomGolfers and individuals living near golf courses.
WhyIndividuals living within one mile of a golf course have a 126% increased risk of Parkinson's, likely due to pesticide runoff into water and airborne drift.
CaveatsComplete avoidance may be difficult, but mitigation strategies can help.
Research shows a significant increase in Parkinson's risk for those living close to golf courses, which use large quantities of pesticides. These chemicals can contaminate local water supplies through runoff and become airborne, especially downwind. The speakers suggest practical steps like asking golf courses about their pesticide use, requesting less toxic alternatives, inquiring about spraying schedules to avoid exposure, closing windows, and using air purifiers. They also advocate for 'organic golf courses' as a broader solution.
Mechanism
Pesticides are neurotoxins and mitochondrial poisons. They can be inhaled (nose-first Parkinson's) or ingested via contaminated water (gut-first Parkinson's).
Individuals who lived within one mile of a golf course had a hundred and twenty six percent increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease compared to individuals who lived six or more miles apart.
Also said
“Ask the golf course what pesticides they use. See if they can use less toxic pesticides. Right? Can they use less? Can they tell you when they're spraying?”— Provides actionable steps for golfers to reduce exposure.
“There was a small little report in the Annals of Neurology that two neurologists found that eighteen of their patients lived near a golf course, and fifteen of the 18 lived downwind of the golf course.”— Highlights the risk of airborne pesticide exposure.
Vigorous Exercise for Parkinson's
WhatEngage in regular, vigorous exercise that makes you sweat.
WhenRegularly, ideally daily.
DoseEnough to make you sweat.
For whomIndividuals with Parkinson's disease, and potentially for prevention.
WhyExercise releases brain growth factors, protects remaining nerve cells, and can delay the need for medication or even allow some patients to reduce medication.
CaveatsConsult a doctor before starting a new exercise regimen, especially if you have Parkinson's.
Contrary to historical advice for Parkinson's patients to rest, modern understanding emphasizes vigorous exercise as a crucial therapeutic intervention. The type of exercise seems less important than its intensity, with activities like non-contact boxing, swimming, or jogging all being beneficial. Exercise has been shown to produce measurable changes on brain imaging and can significantly impact disease progression. Some patients have even managed to delay or reduce their reliance on Parkinson's medications through consistent, intense physical activity.
Mechanism
Exercise promotes neuroplasticity and neuroprotection by stimulating the release of brain growth factors. It helps maintain the health of dopamine-producing nerve cells.
If you have Parkinson's disease, you cannot be quiet and The boxing thing is a real thing that worshipped should be your loud, you should be boxing, should be knocking Doctor. Hyman in the ring Seven with rock steady thousand steps a day.
Also said
“Exercise, as you know, releases brain growth factors in the brain, and it likely protects the remaining nerve cells and protects them from dying off.”— Explains the biological mechanism behind exercise's benefits.
“We have had patients who've been able to come who've decided to come off medications and just treat their Parkinson's disease with exercise Yeah. And other behavioral factors.”— Provides anecdotal evidence of exercise's profound impact on medication use.
Multivitamin Supplementation for Parkinson's Patients
WhatTake a general multivitamin, especially if on dopamine-increasing medications.
WhenDaily, as part of a regular regimen.
DoseA general multivitamin (e.g., Centrum equivalent, but without dyes).
For whomIndividuals with Parkinson's disease, particularly those on L-DOPA.
WhyDopamine-increasing medications (like L-DOPA) can deplete essential cofactors like B vitamins, and Parkinson's patients often have low levels of other crucial vitamins (e.g., Vitamin E, Vitamin D).
CaveatsChoose a multivitamin without unnecessary dyes or additives. Consult a doctor to check specific vitamin levels.
The speakers highlight a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of Parkinson's treatment: the impact of L-DOPA on nutrient status. L-DOPA, while effective for motor symptoms, can deplete B vitamins, which are vital cofactors for numerous bodily processes. This depletion can lead to increased homocysteine levels, a risk factor for cognitive decline. Additionally, Parkinson's patients frequently exhibit low levels of other important vitamins like E and D. Therefore, a comprehensive multivitamin is recommended to replenish these nutrients and support overall health, addressing the 'whole body' nature of the disease.
Mechanism
L-DOPA metabolism can consume B vitamins (e.g., B6), leading to deficiencies and potentially elevated homocysteine, which is a risk factor for dementia. Adequate vitamin levels support overall cellular function and may mitigate some non-motor symptoms.
Dopamine depletes cofactors in your blood. And so your vitamin b six may go down. Your homocysteine may go up. Other things that might put you at risk for dementia and other things. So guess what? From a very practical standpoint, you need to be on at least a general multivitamin.
Also said
“Vitamin E levels are low, you know, in in in Parkinson. Right? Vitamin D levels are low.”— Lists specific vitamin deficiencies common in Parkinson's patients.
“You're just adding more shit. But but fundamentally, thank you for saying that. Again, you get to say the things Talk to the expert here, man. I know. Mark gets to say things out loud that we can't.”— Humorously emphasizes the importance of choosing clean supplements without unnecessary additives.
Comprehensive Detoxification Program
WhatImplement a multi-faceted detoxification program to remove accumulated toxins from the body.
WhenAs needed, based on individual toxin load and health status.
For whomIndividuals with high toxin exposure or existing neurodegenerative conditions.
WhyThe body has natural detox pathways (sweat, urine, feces, liver enzymes) that can be supported and enhanced to eliminate environmental toxins contributing to disease.
CaveatsRequires specialized testing to identify specific toxins and a tailored approach. Should be done under medical supervision, especially for chelation.
Dr. Hyman outlines a comprehensive detoxification strategy, starting with identifying toxin exposure through specialized testing (heavy metals, PFAS, BPA, glyphosate in blood/urine). The program then focuses on supporting the body's natural elimination routes: promoting sweating (saunas), ensuring adequate hydration and urination, and maintaining regular bowel movements (fiber). Dietary interventions include avoiding processed foods and incorporating foods that boost detox enzymes (e.g., broccoli, garlic) and provide essential cofactors (B vitamins, magnesium). For heavy metals, chelation therapy (e.g., EDTA, DMSA) is mentioned, with a crucial caveat that it must be combined with comprehensive support to prevent retoxification. Advanced therapies like intravenous glutathione, NAD, or phosphatidylcholine 'cellular washout' are also noted for their potential in clinical settings.
Mechanism
Supports the body's innate detoxification systems, including liver enzymes (e.g., glutathione), kidney function, and gut motility. Certain compounds can chelate heavy metals, while others (like phosphatidylcholine) can help flush fat-soluble toxins from cell membranes.
So in functional medicine, we can do heavy metal challenge testing. We do blood testing for heavy metals. We can do blood testing for things like PFAS, BPA, glyphosate. Also, urine testing. You can look at urine testing for a lot of the things like atrazine and all the things like the the pesticides and paraben.
Also said
“Saunas are a great way to mobilize toxins. Making sure you drink a lot of water and pee and clear urine. Simple. Fiber. Like, sure you're pooping and not constipated.”— Lists practical, everyday methods to support detoxification.
“There's chelation, which can be used for heavy metals, and that's been published, EDT chelation, DMSA chelation.”— Mentions specific chelation therapies for heavy metals.
Mitochondrial Rejuvenation Program
WhatUtilize specific nutrients and compounds to support and restore mitochondrial function.
WhenAs part of a targeted therapeutic approach.
DoseHigh doses of CoQ10 (e.g., 1200mg), NAD/NMN, Creatine, N-acetylcysteine, Resveratrol, Curcumin, Green Tea Extract, Carnitine, B vitamins (riboflavin, niacin, B6, B9, B12), Magnesium, and potentially peptides (SS-31, Humanin, MOTS-c).
For whomIndividuals with neurodegenerative conditions or mitochondrial dysfunction.
WhyEnvironmental toxins and chronic illness often impair mitochondrial function, which is critical for energy production in the brain and other tissues.
CaveatsRequires a comprehensive, multimodal approach; single supplements are unlikely to be effective. Needs further research and clinical trials.
Dr. Hyman discusses the importance of mitochondrial health, noting that the brain, despite its small size, consumes a large percentage of the body's energy. Toxins, stress, and inflammation can poison mitochondria, leading to symptoms like fatigue and brain fog. He suggests a range of mitochondrial cofactors and compounds, including high-dose CoQ10 (citing a study using 1200mg), NAD/NMN, creatine, N-acetylcysteine (to boost glutathione), various B vitamins, magnesium, and phytochemicals like resveratrol and curcumin. He also mentions emerging peptides that regulate mitochondrial function. The key takeaway is that a 'cocktail' of these interventions is likely needed, as a single compound is insufficient, akin to trying to win an NBA championship with only one star player.
Mechanism
Mitochondrial cofactors (CoQ10, B vitamins, carnitine) directly support the electron transport chain and ATP production. NAD/NMN are crucial for cellular energy and repair. Antioxidants (N-acetylcysteine, resveratrol) protect mitochondria from oxidative damage. Peptides can regulate mitochondrial function.
Is there any conversation among your colleagues, neurologists, like, how do we put together a comprehensive mitochondrial rejuvenation program, and what does that look like?
Also said
“Co q ten, we talked about. We didn't talk about this, but NAD or NMN, which is a a common longevity now supplement. But that actually plays a big role in mitochondrial function. Creatine, which have been shown to help you have been or different neurological diseases.”— Lists specific supplements for mitochondrial support.
“So co q 10, carnitine, things like that. And they actually get better. Now I'm wondering, I read study years ago where there was they reused like twelve hundred milligrams of q ten.”— Mentions a specific high dose of CoQ10 used in a study.
What's new
Personal practice updates, fresh positions, predictions
4 items
Parkinson's as a Whole Body Disease
0:04:40
Parkinson's is not solely a brain disease but affects the entire body, with symptoms and pathology appearing in various systems beyond the brain.
Why this matters: This challenges the traditional neurological view of Parkinson's as exclusively a brain disorder, broadening the scope for diagnosis and treatment.
Background
Historically, Parkinson's was considered a movement disorder originating in the brain, primarily due to dopamine depletion in the basal ganglia.
The speakers emphasize that Parkinson's pathology is found throughout the body, including the gut and skin. They highlight that misfolded proteins, a hallmark of the disease, are expressed in multiple systems. This systemic involvement explains why patients experience non-motor symptoms like constipation, skin issues (twice the risk of melanoma), and bone problems (twice the risk of osteoporosis). This broader understanding necessitates a 'super generalist' approach to care, connecting seemingly disparate symptoms to a common underlying disease process.
There's a big myth about Parkinson's, and the myth is that it's just a brain disease. Yeah. It's a whole body disease, Mark.
Also said
“We see it in the gut. You know? We see the proteins in the gut. We see it in the skin. We see it in multiple systems.”— Illustrates the widespread presence of Parkinson's pathology beyond the brain.
“We have twice the risk of of malignant skin cancer, you know, melanoma in Parkinson's disease. Twice the risk of osteoporosis in Parkinson's disease.”— Provides specific examples of non-brain systemic effects of Parkinson's.
Parkinson's Originating in the Gut or Nose
0:13:50
Parkinson's disease can originate either in the gut (body-first) due to ingested toxins or in the nose (brain-first) due to inhaled toxins, challenging the idea that it always starts in the brain.
Why this matters: This 'two forms' hypothesis fundamentally shifts understanding of disease initiation and potential entry points for environmental toxins.
Background
Traditional understanding assumed Parkinson's pathology began in the brain, specifically in areas like the basal ganglia.
The speakers reference Dr. Per Borghheimer's work, which posits two forms of Parkinson's: 'brain-first' (or 'nose-first') and 'body-first' (or 'gut-first'). The nose-first pathway involves inhaled toxins, such as heavy metals and particulate matter from air pollution, entering the brain via the olfactory nerve. The gut-first pathway involves ingested toxins, like pesticides in contaminated well water, affecting the enteric nervous system and then ascending to the brain via the vagus nerve. This model explains why non-motor symptoms like constipation often precede motor symptoms by many years, indicating early pathology in the gut.
One that's brain or nose first, pathology beginning in the nose, and one that's body or gut first, pathology beginning in the gut.
Also said
“Chemicals that you ingest, like well water that's contaminated with pesticides. Chemicals that you inhale leads to a nose first.”— Clarifies the types of toxins associated with each origin pathway.
“Heiko Brauch, says, Parkinson's disease, the pathology does not begin the brain. He said, Parkinson's disease, which you consider a brain disease, does not begin the brain. He says, I first see the pathology in the olfactory bulb, the smell center of the brain, or in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve.”— Credits the pathologist who first proposed the non-brain origin of Parkinson's pathology.
The Parkinson's Pandemic and Exploding Incidence
0:11:40
Parkinson's disease is experiencing a 'pandemic' with its incidence rising 60% faster than Alzheimer's, projected to reach 12 million cases by 2035, primarily driven by environmental factors rather than genetics.
Why this matters: This highlights the urgent and rapidly escalating public health crisis of Parkinson's, emphasizing its environmental roots.
Background
While Parkinson's has always existed, its current rate of increase is unprecedented, far outstripping what can be explained by aging populations alone.
The global burden of disease study estimates that Parkinson's cases have quadrupled from 2.8 million in 1990 to 11.8 million in 2021, and are projected to hit 12 million by 2035, fifteen years ahead of previous estimates. This dramatic rise, adjusted for age, is 60% faster than Alzheimer's. The speakers attribute this to environmental toxins, noting that industrialized regions like the US and Canada have the highest rates, while rapidly industrializing areas like India and China show the fastest increases. This pattern strongly suggests that environmental exposures, not genetic changes, are the primary drivers of the 'Parkinson's pandemic'.
Adjusted for age, the rise of Parkinson's disease is going up sixty percent, far faster than Alzheimer's disease.
Also said
“It can't be genetics because our genes, you know, don't change, generally speaking Correct. For just two hundred years, so it has to be in our environment.”— Reinforces the environmental causation by ruling out genetic changes over a short timeframe.
“It's estimated that two point eight million people have the disease, and I'll see Michael's punchline. In 2021, they estimated that eleven point eight million, a quadrupling a quadrupling.”— Provides concrete statistics on the rapid increase in Parkinson's cases.
Policy as Prevention for Toxin Exposure
0:30:00
Addressing the Parkinson's pandemic requires policy changes to eliminate harmful environmental toxins, rather than relying solely on individual actions or pharmaceutical interventions.
Why this matters: This shifts the focus from personal responsibility to systemic, governmental action as the most effective form of prevention.
Background
Historically, public health efforts have often focused on individual lifestyle changes or medical treatments for disease management.
The speakers argue that many of the toxins linked to Parkinson's, such as paraquat (a pesticide banned in 32 countries but still used in the US), are political problems rather than purely medical ones. They highlight that while individuals can take steps to reduce exposure (e.g., filtering water, using air purifiers), true prevention requires large-scale policy interventions. They cite historical successes like removing lead from gasoline and paint, which significantly improved public health. The phrase 'prevention is going to be policy, not a pill' encapsulates this call for governmental and regulatory action to eliminate toxic chemicals from our food, water, and air.
Prevention is going to be policy, not a pill. Right? I love that. Prevention is going to be policy, not a pill. A 100%.
Also said
“It's a political problem. Right? Yeah. It's a EPA problem.”— Directly states that the problem of toxins is political and regulatory.
“If we get rid of these chemicals, we get rid of a lot of autism. We get a lot rid of a lot of ALS. We get rid of a lot of Alzheimer's disease, and we get rid of a lot of Parkinson's disease.”— Emphasizes the broad public health benefits of toxin elimination beyond Parkinson's.
Recommendations
Products, supplements, and tools mentioned in the episode
3 items
The Parkinson's Plan: A New Path to Prevention and Treatment
Book
The book co-authored by the featured experts, Ray Dorsey and Michael Oken, which details the environmental causes of Parkinson's and strategies for prevention and treatment.
This book is the central topic of the discussion, representing a new paradigm in understanding and addressing Parkinson's disease. It challenges the traditional view by emphasizing the role of environmental toxins and advocating for a holistic, preventative approach. The book provides 25 actions to reduce Parkinson's risk and offers guidance for those already diagnosed, focusing on stopping exposure and slowing progression.
You both have come all the way from Florida and New York to Austin, Texas to talk about your new book, The Parkinson's Plan, A New Path to Prevention and Treatment.
A device used to remove pesticides, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), and other contaminants from drinking water.
Water filters are recommended as a simple yet effective way to reduce exposure to waterborne toxins. Carbon filters, widely available and affordable, can remove pesticides and VOCs like trichloroethylene. Reverse osmosis systems are considered even more effective. These filters can be installed at the point of entry for whole-house filtration or at point-of-use, such as faucets or water pitchers. This is a practical step for individuals to mitigate exposure to chemicals that can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.
Number nine, use a water filter. A sipping a simple carbon filter, water filter widely available in supermarkets can reduce exposure to pesticides, volatile to organic chemicals like trichloroethylene, and other chemicals that may be in your water.
Also said
“My colleague at Atria Health and Research Institute, Robert Kachko, will tell you reverse osmosis is even better, and I'll let Michael take number 10.”— Suggests reverse osmosis as a superior option.
A device designed to remove indoor air pollutants, including particulate matter and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs).
Air purifiers are recommended as an easy and effective way to lower the risk of disease from indoor air pollution. They range in cost and require periodic cleaning and filter changes. Crucially, the recommendation specifies using air purifiers with carbon filters, as these are designed to remove VOCs like trichloroethylene, which is implicated in Parkinson's. Placing them in areas where one spends the most time, like bedrooms, is suggested. This helps mitigate the risk of inhaling neurotoxic airborne particles and chemicals.
Number 10 is considered air purifiers. They're an easy, effective way to lower your risk of disease from indoor air pollution. Air fire air purifiers do a range in cost.
Also said
“Be sure to use air purifiers that have carbon filters. They're designed to remove the volatile organic chemicals, VOCs, like trichloroethylene, which you all know from dry cleaning story, everything is so important in Parkinson.”— Specifies the type of filter needed for effective VOC removal.
A non-profit organization that catalogs and identifies environmental toxins in food, household products, and personal care items, providing guides for reducing exposure.
DisclosureDr. Hyman is on the board of the Environmental Working Group.
The EWG is highlighted as a crucial resource for individuals seeking to reduce their exposure to environmental toxins. They provide evidence-based guides on various products, from produce (e.g., 'Dirty Dozen' and 'Clean Fifteen' lists) to skincare and cleaning supplies. Dr. Hyman, being on their board, attests to their effectiveness in helping people navigate the complex landscape of chemical exposures.
I'm on the board of the environmental working group, which is a great organization that has done a tremendous job to catalog, identify all of our exposures across food, across household cleaning products, skin care products, you know, meat, fish, vegetables, and it really provides a a very good guide on it's evidence based on on how to reduce your exposures, filter your water, air purifier.
Also said
“And a shout out to Ken Cook, the outstanding leader of the environmental working group. He and his team are helping us understand what are the the role of these chemicals in our environment and our health and how to get rid of them.”— Acknowledges the leadership and work of the EWG.
Specialized lab testing to measure levels of various toxins (PFAS, BPA, heavy metals, glyphosate, pesticides, parabens) in the body.
DisclosureDr. Hyman co-founded the company offering this testing.
Dr. Hyman highlights the importance of testing to identify individual toxin loads, which is a foundational step in functional medicine. He mentions his own company offers testing for 'forever chemicals' (PFAS), bisphenol A (BPA), and heavy metals. He also notes that urine testing can detect many pesticides and parabens. These specialized tests go beyond standard medical labs and provide a 'road map' for personalized detoxification and prevention strategies, allowing for targeted interventions based on an individual's unique exposures and genetic predispositions.
I just did my function health testing, which is a company I cofounded. And one of the things we offer is PFAS, or forever chemical testing, and bisphenol A testing, and heavy metal testing.
Also said
“We can do blood testing for things like PFAS, BPA, glyphosate. Also, urine testing. You can look at urine testing for a lot of the things like atrazine and all the things like the the pesticides and paraben.”— Lists specific toxins that can be identified through this testing.
Lines worth pulling out — contrarian, specific, or perfectly phrased
5 items
The canary in the coal mine here is Parkinson's disease, which is what your book's about.
A powerful metaphor illustrating Parkinson's as an early warning sign of widespread environmental toxicity impacting human health.
It's the front door to your brain. Wow. And it's the blood brain barrier, remember from medical school. Right? Doesn't let let things in. Well, kinda it does. Well, but it kinda does. But this It's a little leaky. This this is the front door. This doesn't go through the blood brain barrier. It's just going through the olfactory nerve, the the nerve response or smell that's hanging it, and it's hitchhiking are these metals, lead from gasoline, iron from brakes, platinum from catalytic Yeah. Inverters.
Vividly explains how toxins bypass the blood-brain barrier via the olfactory nerve, offering a concrete mechanism for brain exposure.
Prevention is going to be policy, not a pill. Right? I love that. Prevention is going to be policy, not a pill. A 100%.
A concise and impactful statement advocating for systemic, governmental action over individual medical interventions for disease prevention.
Diseases have causes. And why is it not uncommon to see young people with Parkinson? You said young people with Parkinson, maybe that's rare when you were describing the person they met. Not so rare. You know? We're we're seeing lots of young cases.
Challenges the perception of Parkinson's as solely an old-age disease and underscores the importance of identifying root causes.
I can tell you, I've had so many patients who've we've slowed, stopped, or even reversed significantly their Parkinson's by using this kind of a pro systematic approach. I think people should be hopeful out there, And I'm really hopeful that that that you guys are doing this because, you know, we need real scientists.
Offers a strong message of hope and anecdotal evidence for the effectiveness of functional medicine's systematic approach to Parkinson's, contrasting with the experts' more cautious stance on 'reversal'.
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Topics covered
parkinson's disease incidenceparkinson's as whole body diseaseprodromal features of parkinson'senvironmental toxinspesticides and parkinson'sair pollution and parkinson'sheavy metals in brainleaky brain phenomenongut-brain axisolfactory nerve pathwaymitochondrial dysfunctiongenetic vs environmental diseasegolf course pesticides risktrichloroethylene exposurechlorpyrifos and neurodevelopmentumbilical cord toxinsbreast milk toxinspolicy for preventionfunctional medicine approachparkinson's treatment paradigm
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Educational summary of the cited expert source — not medical advice. Open the source recording linked above and consult a qualified physician before acting on any protocol.
