Pesticides and Early Onset Parkinson’s - New Montana Study

Cecil Tharp, MSU Pesticide Education Specialist

 

 

Drawing of an elderly man with text describing signs of Parkinson's (described in the article).

image credit: www.parkinsons.ie

According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, occupational uses of rotenone and paraquat over a lifetime are associated with an increase in Parkinson’s disease (a progressive neurodegenerative disease) compared to non-users (NIHS 2014; Tanner et al. 2011). Dr. Jaebum Park (Dept. of Health and Human Development) is conducting a study evaluating high risk pesticide applicators for early loss of motor function from the application of these pesticides using a new diagnostic tool. He will use this new tool to evaluate candidates for loss of motor function (potentially related to early onset-Parkinson’s). Hopefully this tool may be used to quickly evaluate farm applicators for early-onset Parkinson’s disease, or potentially for general loss of motor coordination. He is searching for a few candidates for his study. He is searching for candidates that meet the following criteria:

  1. Have used paraquat or rotenone in an occupational setting for many years.
  2. No previous history of neuropathies or traumas to their upper extremities
  3. Age range: 40 – 60 yrs old.

Signs of Parkinson's Disease

  • Forward tilt of trunk
  • Reduced arm swinging
  • Shuffling gait with short steps
  • Rigidity and trembling of head
  • Rigidity and trembling of extremities

Compensation

In return, participants will be paid at a rate of $30 per visit ($60 in total for 2 days). If participants choose not to complete a task, then the amount paid will be prorated depending on how many of the tasks were completed. Travel expenses including lodging (1 night) and fuel cost will be supported or reimbursed from anywhere in Montana.

Contact

Interested individuals should contact:

Jaebum Park, Ph.D.
Dept. of Health and Human Development
Romney Gym, Montana State University Bozeman
MT 59717-3540

Phone: (406) 994-6854
[email protected]

Please forward the attached information forms to any individuals you think may benefit from this type of evaluation.

Further Information

See the NIHS publication at NIHS [expired link] or the Tanner et al. (2011) publication. Contact Jaebum Park (information above) for more information regarding this study.

Contact Cecil Tharp, MSU Pesticide Education Specialist ([email protected]; 406-994-5067) for more information on pesticides and Parkinson’s disease.

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