According to the paraquat lawsuits filed in St. Clair County Illinois, and across the nation, the herbicide paraquat can cause Parkinson’s disease.

An experiment in Southern California in the 1980s showed that MPTP, a heroin contaminant, caused users to experience symptoms similar to those associated with Parkinson’s disease. The experiment demonstrated that the heroin contaminant killed dopamine neurons, the same neurons that are damaged in Parkinson’s disease patients. MPTP and paraquat have chemical structures that are very similar.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared in 1997 that the primary route of exposure to paraquat was during the mixing, loading, and application of the herbicide, as well as during the post-application period. The agency also stated that, despite the fact that the herbicide is not licensed for residential use, such exposure is possible for people who live near farms where the herbicide is used.

Over the last two decades, scientists have increased their research into the effects of paraquat toxicity on humans, especially the risk of Parkinson’s disease.

According to a 2009 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, any exposure to paraquat within 1,600 feet of a home increased the risk of Parkinson’s disease by 75%.

Environmental Health Perspectives, in collaboration with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, released findings from a comprehensive review of Parkinson’s disease cases and pesticides in 2011. Paraquat emerged as a major concern in this report.

Pesticides that block mitochondrial complexes and those that induce oxidative stress have been linked to Parkinson’s disease. Paraquat works by producing intracellular molecules that cause oxidative stress in cells. According to the report, “Parkinson’s disease was closely correlated with” paraquat. The authors also stressed that the risk of paraquat exposure extends beyond the occupational/agricultural climate, and that many people may be exposed to the pesticide without even being aware of its presence in their surroundings.

The study also found a significantly increased risk of Parkinson’s disease in people who had been exposed to both paraquat and a form of fungicide known as fungicide maneb. Finally, participants in the study who lacked an active copy of a particular gene (missing in 20% of Caucasians and 40% of Asians) were at a higher risk of paraquat toxicity.

The EPA announced in 2016 that it would re-evaluate paraquat, including the possible correlation to Parkinson’s disease.

The Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council sent a letter to the EPA on July 24, 2017, in anticipation of the agency’s paraquat registration review. The petition, signed by all council members, listed a laundry list of evidence linking paraquat to the development of Parkinson’s disease symptoms and pathology and concluded by urging the EPA to refuse paraquat’s reregistration.

The letter went on to emphasize the financial costs of Parkinson’s disease, including:

Individual treatment for a person with Parkinson’s disease costs $26,400 per year.

Annual economic burden in the United States between $19.8 to $26.4 billion. Costs associated with dependence on services such as Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.

Syngenta and Growmark, the manufacturers of paraquat, were sued on October 6, 2017. The lawsuit was lodged on behalf of farmers and agricultural workers who were exposed to paraquat and developed Parkinson’s disease. Chevron Chemical has been added as a defendant in the case since the initial charge was filed.

The National Toxicology Program (NTP) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its protocol for a study of paraquat dichloride toxicity and Parkinson’s disease in 2018. Recognizing that hundreds of studies have been conducted to examine the correlation between paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease, the analysis will attempt to map evidence that links the two.

How does paraquat work?

Paraquat is sprayed directly onto plants, where it destroys the leaves on contact. When the compound comes into contact with soil, it becomes inactive.

The chemical is sprayed to clear fields before crops are cultivated, as well as to eradicate marijuana crops in Mexico and the United States.

Paraquat is often used as a herbicide for weeds that have gained resistance to Roundup and other glyphosate-based herbicides, according to the Unified Parkinson’s Advisory Council.

What Do We Know About Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating neurodegenerative condition that manifests itself in humans in their middle to late years of existence. Tremors in the arms and legs, weakened coordination and balance, sluggish movements, and rigidity of the body and limbs are some of the effects on the motor system. Such symptoms are due to the brain’s gradual degeneration of dopaminergic neurons.

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world. The disorder is chronic and progressive, with current medical treatments only providing partial relief of symptoms. 

While genetic factors play a role in a small percentage of Parkinson’s disease cases, the primary cause of Parkinson’s disease has remained unknown for many years. A growing number of scientific studies in recent years have linked Parkinson’s disease to environmental exposures such as pesticides.

As a person ages,a specific quantity of amnesia and confusion is rather typical. Personally,I’ve been known to conjure up the cliché,”The older I get,the better I was!” Regrettably,Alzheimer’s disease represents a more major loss of mental sharpness and calls for unique care for elders.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive form of pre-senile dementia. As the disease starts,it will initially impact memory.

Alzheimer’s is a really dreadful disease because it robs a person of their ability to operate. The burden of caring for a person suffering from Alzheimer’s is significant. A lot of “board and care” and “assisted living facilities” are ready for and capable of providing for a person experiencing Alzheimer’s. These centers are similar to nursing homes,but with less of an institutional atmosphere. If,nevertheless,a senior becomes significantly disoriented,perhaps even occasionally wandering away,they may require a facility with a dementia waiver.

Regardless of the name,a “dementia waiver” is an indication that a facility and staff have extra training and licensing for the care of patients with dementia. On top of the extra training,the actual facility may be protected with a border to keep people on the premises. Alzheimer’s disease leaves a mark on friends and family along with the victim. There are,nevertheless,care options that can at a minimum take the care burden off of you. For those in the Masonic Lodge one option is here: masonic in-home health care They operate for Masons through donations:

Summary

Alzheimer’s disease represents a more major loss of mental sharpness and calls for unique care for elders. The burden of caring for a person suffering from Alzheimer’s is significant. A lot of “board and care” and “assisted living centers” are ready and capable of supplying for a person suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Someone you care about is suffering from a substance abuse disorder. According to Better Addiction Care, There`s no “best” treatment center for you. Because every person is unique and has different treatment choices it is the reality. It is essential to fully comprehend your needs prior to deciding to take steps to get treatment. Here are some questions you should ask any substance addiction treatment center before you decide where you will receive treatment

What is the best way to aid a loved one with a substance abuse disorder? This is possibly the most important aspect to think about when choosing where to get assistance. You can find drug rehab centers in almost every part of the nation. Gainesville actually is just around the corner. There are many options available for treatment, such as those provided to family members, friends and clinics, hospitals, and also substance abuse treatment centers. These questions will be overwhelming.

What is the cost for staying in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center? There are many costs associated with Gainesville drug rehabilitation. These include housing, transportation and healthcare expenses. Before you choose where to go for treatment it is important to think about how long your loved one will remain there.

Are gold seals accepted at all Gainesville rehab centers for addiction? A gold seal means that the FDA has approved the drug that is being utilized. Many hospitals and clinics use only this seal to signify that they are an approved facility. The seal is typically displayed at the entrance of the visitor`s door. If you want to know if the hospital or clinic you visit accepts the gold seal, call ahead and ensure that the office is equipped with one.

What`s the quality of treatment in Gainesville`s drug rehab center? -The quality of treatment programs differs greatly from one facility to the next establishment. It is crucial to study. Talk to friends and family members about the most effective treatment options.

What will the post-care program be like? After you`ve completed your intake at the Gainesville drug rehab center, you`ll begin attending counseling sessions and group sessions. Private counseling is provided at certain clinics. If your loved ones doesn`t take part in any group or counseling sessions, you might notice that they`re more open to prescribed medications when they begin feeling more well. You can inquire about the plan for aftercare and the kind of treatment your loved one could be expecting.

What kinds of support are available to those who go to the drug rehab centers in Gainesville? There are many support services available at the centers. In-house employees have been specially trained to assist you during your stay, as well as medical and social workers. Many also have private counselors who are available. They can help you understand your options to recover from addiction and answer any questions you may have.

Are there ways for Gainesville residents to receive affordable or free treatment for addiction to drugs? Yes! There are support groups , such like Alcoholics Anonymous that can help locate local resources for alcohol and substance abuse treatment. They can also help direct you to local treatment for substance abuse programs that are cost-effective or even free.

Can you help me find support in Gainesville during my time in the Gainesville drug rehabilitation program? Yes. A lot of substance abuse treatment programs provide help after treatment. It is possible to get this support through individual counseling or group counseling. Depending on your circumstances you might be required to participate in a community service too.

Can you be “caught” in a drug or alcohol abuse program and not have to go to the jail? – Yes. Rehab centers across the country have recently started to conduct tests on people for alcohol and drugs addiction. You will almost always be admitted to rehabilitation facilities if you are caught after you have been released from the jail.

What can I do to help my family member to avoid becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol? – It is important to recognize that many substance abuse alcohol and drug addiction treatment programs provide mental or spiritual support. Some family members, who aren`t keen to pursue this route, aren`t as open to this concept. This is fine. If they do, they have to address issues at home prior to they enroll in an alcohol or drug dependency program at the center.