Does smoking reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease onset?

A study of over 900 patients with parkinsonism in Olmsted County (MN, USA) has revealed that the incidence of both parkinsonism and Parkinson’s disease (PD) may in fact have increased during the last 30 year period. While confirmation is needed from other populations, the trend may suggest a possible association with lifestyle or environmental changes. The findings were published recently in Jama Neurology. Lead author, Walter Rocca (Mayo Clinic, MN, USA), wanted to test a theory that was presented in a previous study analyzing the link between smoking and PD. Those authors concluded that smoking could be associated with a...