Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects how the brain controls movement. It happens when nerve cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra become damaged or die. These cells produce dopamine, a chemical that helps coordinate smooth and balanced muscle activity. As dopamine levels drop, people with Parkinson’s begin to experience a range of motor symptoms like tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, and balance problems. But Parkinson’s isn’t just a movement disorder. It can also impact non-motor functions like sleep, mood, memory, and even digestion. Symptoms usually start gradually and get worse over time, and no two people experience the disease the same way. It’s a complex, often unpredictable condition that affects both the brain and the body in ways that can be frustrating, confusing, and hard to explain—but understanding what’s happening inside the brain is the first step to recognizing and navigating it.

Although doctors still do not know exactly why people get Parkinson's disease, more and more research is pointing to environmental toxins as a major cause of PD—especially in people who don’t have a family history of it. In fact, the vast majority of Parkinson’s cases are considered “sporadic,” meaning they aren’t inherited. Instead, they seem to be triggered by long-term exposure to certain chemicals and pollutants that are surprisingly common. Pesticides like paraquat and rotenone, industrial solvents like trichloroethylene (TCE), and even heavy metals have all been linked to a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s. These substances can damage the brain over time, especially the dopamine-producing cells that are key to movement and coordination. What’s especially concerning is that many of these toxins are in our air, water, soil, and even our workplaces—often without us knowing it. Farmers, factory workers, veterans, and people living near industrial sites or areas with heavy pesticide use seem to be especially at risk. Scientists believe that prolonged exposure to these harmful chemicals can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, setting off the slow but steady loss of dopamine-producing neurons. While genetics can play a role, it’s increasingly clear that Parkinson’s is, for many people, an environmental disease—one we might prevent more effectively by reducing toxic exposures in the world around us.

Parkinson’s disease has no cure, and as of now, there’s no treatment that can stop or even slow the progression of the disease itself. It’s a degenerative condition, which means it gradually gets worse over time as more dopamine-producing brain cells are lost. Medications can help manage some of the symptoms—like tremors, stiffness, and slowness—but they don’t address the underlying cause or prevent further damage to the brain. It’s a hard truth that many people with Parkinson’s face: while treatment can improve quality of life, it doesn’t halt the disease. That said, one of the most powerful ways to manage Parkinson’s is also one of the most accessible—exercise. Vigorous, consistent physical activity has been shown to significantly improve motor symptoms, boost mood, and support brain health. It’s not a cure, but it’s one of the only things that’s been shown to actually change the trajectory of how people feel and function over time. Whether it’s biking, boxing, hiking, or dancing, staying active isn’t just recommended—it’s essential. For many, movement becomes medicine.

Scientists are working hard to try and figure out two things: what causes it and a way to treat it, beyond just managing the symptoms. One of the most promising areas of research is using stem cells to actually replace the brain cells that Parkinson’s has damaged. In early trials, some people who received these cell transplants have seen marginal improvements in their movement, and bigger trials are now underway to see how well it works for more people. Researchers are also experimenting with gene therapy, which involves delivering certain genes directly to the brain to protect or revive dopamine-producing cells. These interventions aren’t ready for widespread use yet, but they offer real hope for changing the course of the disease in the future. On the technology side, deep brain stimulation—a surgery that helps control symptoms with tiny electrical signals—is becoming even smarter. A newer version called adaptive DBS can adjust itself in real time based on what your brain needs, which means fewer side effects and better results. There are also new medications being tested that may help the brain work better with less dopamine or clear out the harmful buildup that contributes to cell damage. It’s still early days, but with so many researchers focused on Parkinson’s (although some of the funding has recently been cut in the U.S.), we can hope for a better future.