Risk of Parkinson Disease Among Service Members at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune | Movement Disorders | JAMA Neurology | JAMA Network
▻https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/2805037
Key Points
Question Is Parkinson disease risk increased in military service members who were stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, during 1975-1985 when the water supply was contaminated with trichloroethylene and other volatile organic compounds?
Findings
This cohort study of 340 489 service members found that the risk of Parkinson disease was 70% higher in Camp Lejeune veterans compared with veterans stationed at a Marine Corps base where water was not contaminated. In veterans without Parkinson disease, risk was also significantly higher for several prodromal features of Parkinson disease.
Meaning
The study’s findings suggest that exposure to #trichloroethylene in water may increase the risk of Parkinson disease; millions worldwide have been and continue to be exposed to this ubiquitous environmental contaminant.