Study Reveals Increased Parkinson’s Disease Risk Near Golf Courses

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open indicates that people living within a mile of a golf course have a 126% greater risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those residing more than six miles away. Notably, the risk still appears significant for individuals living up to three miles from these courses, suggesting a possible dose-response relationship.

The main culprit behind this increased risk? Pesticides. Golf courses typically use high amounts of pesticides for upkeep, and these chemicals can either become airborne or seep into the groundwater. This leads to heightened exposure for nearby residents.

Additionally, the study raises alarms about water contamination. Residents who share their water source with a golf course, particularly those depending on groundwater, face nearly double the risk of Parkinson’s disease. This risk is even higher in regions that feature specific geological characteristics, such as karst topography, which facilitates the movement of contaminants into drinking water.

These findings call attention to the need for public health policies that aim to minimize pesticide exposure, particularly in areas close to golf courses. Stricter regulations on pesticide application and enhancements in water treatment could potentially lessen the risks identified in the research.

Anti-aging billionaire Bryan Johnson even shared insights about the study on social media, suggesting people should routinely test their drinking water.

Potentially Harmful Pesticides

When discussing golf courses and their relation to Parkinson’s, several specific pesticides are notably concerning due to their links to neurotoxicity — meaning they can harm or disrupt the nervous system. Here are the most problematic ones:

• Paraquat: This herbicide has been strongly associated with Parkinson’s disease in various studies. It destroys plant cells via oxidative stress, and researchers suspect it may inflict similar damage on human neurons, particularly those that control movement. While it’s banned in over 30 countries, including the EU and China, it remains in use in the U.S. under tight restrictions. It’s classified as “restricted use,” meaning only licensed individuals can apply it.
• Chlorpyrifos: As of 2021, this pesticide is banned for food crops in the U.S. but may still be utilized in golf courses or non-agricultural environments. It disrupts neurotransmitter functions and is associated with developmental delays and neurological disorders when exposure occurs prenatally or over a long period.
• Maneb and Mancozeb: These fungicides, often used in landscaping and on golf courses, show increased Parkinson’s risk in combination with Paraquat. They hinder dopamine production, which is critical in individuals suffering from Parkinson’s.
• Glyphosate: Primarily recognized for its connection to certain cancers, particularly non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, new studies suggest it may also impact gut health and neurological function — both factors closely linked to Parkinson’s disease. It stands as the most widely applied herbicide globally.

This case-control study examined patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease from 1991 to 2015 and matched them with control subjects. Analysis of data occurred between June and August 2024, identifying a total of 419 new cases of Parkinson’s disease.