Can Parkinson’s Be Prevented? Environmental Triggers, Everyday Protections, and Hope with Dr. Ray Dorsey

Guest: Dr. Ray Dorsey What if most Parkinson’s isn’t “bad luck” or genes—but exposure? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Allen Lycka talks with neurologist Dr. Ray Dorsey, Director of the Center for the Brain and the Environment, about the mounting evidence that pesticides (like paraquat), dry-cleaning solvents (TCE/perc), and air pollution are fueling the rise of Parkinson’s—and how simple steps at home can lower risk and may even slow progression. Dr. Dorsey shares practical takeaways from his books Ending Parkinson’s Disease and the forthcoming The Parkinson’s Plan , including the “Parkinson’s 25” actions anyone can start today. If you care about clean food, water, and air—or you or a loved one is navigating Parkinson’s—this conversation delivers clarity, agency, and real-world next steps. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • Why ~87% of people with Parkinson’s carry no known genetic cause—and what that means for prevention • The big three exposure buckets: pesticides (esp. paraquat), TCE/perc from dry cleaning, and outdoor air pollution • Simple home practices: wash all produce (even organic), choose “green” dry cleaning or air out garments before bringing them inside • How exercise helps—and why reducing ongoing exposures may lessen complications and hospitalizations • A hopeful roadmap: policy wins, community action, and how to plug into patient-led advocacy Connect with Dr. Ray Dorsey: • Website: www.PDplan.org • Email: [email protected] • Community: PD Avengers — PDavengers.com Books & Resources Mentioned: • Ending Parkinson’s Disease (Dorsey et al.) • The Parkinson’s Plan (forthcoming) • “Parkinson’s 25” practical actions (discussed in-episode) Get Involved: Join the global, patient-led movement to help end Parkinson’s: PDavengers.com Click HERE for gift