There is little doubt that Parkinson’s disease is caused at least in part, if not to a large extent, by exposure to environmental pollutants. Studies have shown that people regularly exposed to pesticides, particularly those in agricultural and farming occupations, have a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. That’s because pesticides can have neurotoxic effects that may contribute to the development of the disease by damaging neurons that produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter crucial for motor control – a common symptom of Parkinson’s that includes tremors, stiffness, and slowed movements.
Download BrochureCheck out the latest in Parkinson’s research as well as what we and our supporters have been getting up to.
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Editorial exploring the link between herbicides and pesticides and Parkinson’s disease. Published in the June 2 edition of Rural News.
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We discuss evidence linking Parkinson’s disease to environmental factors including pesticides, chemicals, and air pollution, in an editorial that featured in the May 19, 2025 edition of Farmer’s Weekly.
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Exciting outcomes from Cure Parkinson’s NZ-funded research.
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CEO Daniel attends international meetings with partner organisations.
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NZ news media interviewed our CEO on World Parkinson’s Day as we launched our documentary One in 37 and discussed global collaborations as we work toward a cure.
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Distinguished Professor Sir Richard Faull, Trustee of Cure Parkinson’s NZ, likens our NZ brain researchers to the All Blacks.
Read MoreThis insidious disease, which slowly robs sufferers of their abilities to move, think and perform everyday tasks, affects >13,000 New Zealanders and more than 10 million people worldwide. Prevalence is expected to double in the next 10–15 years.
Current treatments can only relieve symptoms; none can slow or stop the progression of the disease. However, new knowledge about Parkinson’s disease processes has led to the discovery of some promising candidate treatments with the potential to stop or slow disease progression. Now, clinical trials and further research are urgently needed to confirm benefits and get these treatments approved and into the hands of patients.
The research required to get promising treatments to the clinic is expensive. But the cost to patients, their families, healthcare systems, and economies of not doing this research is much much more. We need your support to make it happen.
