Key Points
- Research suggests living within one mile of a golf course may increase Parkinson’s disease risk by 126%, potentially due to pesticide exposure.
- It seems likely that pesticide runoff in drinking water contributes, but the evidence is still being debated.
- Experts highlight both the need for further study and some limitations, like urban pollution as a possible factor.
Study Overview
A recent study, published on May 8, 2025, in JAMA Network Open, found that living close to golf courses (within one mile) is associated with a significantly higher risk of Parkinson’s disease, even after adjusting for age and income. The risk increase is 126%, which is more than double the baseline, suggesting a strong link. Researchers point to pesticide runoff in drinking water as a likely culprit, noting that chemicals used on golf courses, like chlorpyrifos and maneb, may contaminate groundwater and air.
Expert Insights
Experts agree the findings are concerning but note limitations. For example, the study didn’t analyze drinking water for pesticides directly, and urban air pollution could also play a role. Some call for re-evaluating pesticide use on golf courses, while others urge more research to confirm the connection.
Implications
This study adds to evidence linking pesticides to Parkinson’s, a condition affecting about 10 million globally. It highlights the need for potential changes in golf course management and further investigation into environmental health risks.
Detailed Survey Note: Comprehensive Analysis of the Study Linking Golf Course Proximity to Parkinson’s Disease Risk
This note provides an in-depth examination of a recent study published on May 8, 2025, in JAMA Network Open, which found that living within one mile of a golf course is associated with a 126% increased risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD), potentially due to pesticide exposure through drinking water and air. The study has sparked significant discussion among researchers and public health experts, and this report synthesizes the findings, expert commentary, and broader context to offer a comprehensive understanding for stakeholders.
Study Background and Methodology
The study, led by researchers including Dr. Brittany Krzyzanowski from the Barrow Neurological Institute, analyzed data from over 5,500 individuals in Minnesota and Wisconsin, including 419 with PD and 5,113 matched controls, from 1991 to 2015. It examined proximity to 139 golf courses and compared areas with local drinking water systems that include golf courses versus those without. The researchers used data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) on 224 water service areas across 27 counties in Wisconsin and Minnesota, as well as 711 municipal wells provided by the Minnesota Geospatial Information Office. This approach allowed them to assess environmental exposure risks, particularly focusing on pesticide runoff.
Key findings from the study include:
- Living within one mile of a golf course increases the risk of PD by 126% compared to living more than six miles away.
- The odds of PD were nearly doubled in areas where tap water comes from groundwater shared with golf courses, with a 49% greater odds compared to private wells.
- The risk was relatively constant close to golf courses and decreased linearly with distance, with those living between one and two miles away facing a 198% higher risk.
These results suggest that incidental exposure to pesticides, such as chlorpyrifos and maneb, commonly used on golf courses, may contaminate air and groundwater, contributing to neurodegeneration. The study’s authors urge tougher pesticide regulations, citing clear evidence of exposure risks, especially in groundwater-vulnerable areas.
Expert Commentary and Limitations
Expert opinions provide valuable context, highlighting both the significance and limitations of the study. David Dexter, PhD, Director of Research at Parkinson’s United Kingdom, raised several concerns:
- The study did not restrict analysis to permanent residents, which could affect exposure estimates, especially given that PD symptoms may begin 10-15 years before diagnosis.
- 80% of individuals with PD lived in urban areas compared to only 30% of controls, suggesting that air pollution from motor vehicles could account for some increased incidence.
- The drinking water was not analyzed for pesticide levels, leaving a gap in direct evidence.
Michael S. Okun, MD, Adelaide Lackner Professor of Neurology at the University of Florida and Executive Director of the Norman Fixel Institute, offered a more affirmative view, stating that the findings “highlight a clear and urgent need to re-evaluate pesticide use on golf courses.” He described the link between proximity and PD risk as “striking” and emphasized that pesticides may seep into water supplies, posing a “hidden hazard we can’t ignore.” As the medical advisor for the Parkinson’s Foundation, Dr. Okun also noted on X the global burden of PD, with 11.8 million cases and low prevention spending (2-3 cents per PD dollar), underscoring the need for preventive measures.
Broader Context and Public Health Implications
Parkinson’s disease is a complex neurodegenerative condition without a known cure, affecting approximately 10 million people globally and 1.1 million in the United States, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation. The study’s findings align with previous research linking pesticides like paraquat and rotenone to neurodegeneration, particularly among farmers and those in historically industrial regions. The prevalence of PD is expected to rise, with an estimated 90,000 new diagnoses this year and a projected 1.2 million cases by 2030 in the US.
The study also identified higher PD prevalence in areas like the Rust Belt, Southern California, Southeastern Texas, Central Pennsylvania, and Florida, with Utah reporting the highest mortality rate at 12.4% and California the highest number of deaths at 4,289, based on CDC data (CDC). This geographic variation suggests environmental factors, including pesticide exposure, may play a significant role.
Social and Policy Considerations
The study’s implications extend to public policy, particularly regarding pesticide use on golf courses, which are often located near residential areas, especially in retirement communities. At least half of would-be retirees express a desire to live near golf courses, but this study suggests potential health risks that could influence housing decisions and land-use planning. Researchers and experts, including Dr. Ray Dorsey, a neurologist and director of the Center for the Brain and the Environment at Atria Health and Research Institute, argue that this study adds to evidence linking PD with pesticides, not just among farmers but also among nearby residents.
Table: Key Findings and Expert Commentary
AspectDetailsIncreased Risk Near Golf Courses Living within 1 mile increases PD risk by 126% compared to >6 miles away. Impact of Shared Drinking Water Areas sharing water with golf courses nearly double PD odds; 49% greater vs. private wells. Study Data Sources Used golf course locations, USGS data on 224 water areas, 711 municipal wells in MN/WI. Incident Cases Identified 450 incident cases from 1991-2015 in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Proximity and Odds Odds constant close to golf courses, decrease linearly with distance. Expert Limitation (Dexter) Study didn’t restrict to permanent residents; urban air pollution possible factor. Expert Call to Action (Okun) Urges re-evaluating pesticide use; link is “striking,” pesticides a “hidden hazard.”
Social Media and User Context
Efforts to gauge public discussion on X (formerly Twitter) regarding this study yielded no recent posts, likely due to its recency (published just over a week ago, as of May 19, 2025). Similarly, a review of the timeline for the user handle pkgupta_26, mentioned in the query, found no posts related to this topic, suggesting limited social media engagement at this stage.
Conclusion
This study provides compelling evidence that living near golf courses may significantly increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease, with pesticide runoff in drinking water and air exposure as likely contributors. However, experts emphasize the need for further research to address limitations and confirm causality. The findings underscore the importance of environmental health policies, particularly in regulating pesticide use, and highlight the broader implications for public health and community planning.
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