Latest news with #BarrowNeurologicalInstitute
The Sun
01-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Disturbing link between Parkinson's disease and living beside a golf club revealed by new study
LIVING near a golf course might come with more than just scenic views - it could carry a hidden health risk. A new study has revealed a troubling connection between proximity to golf courses and the likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease. 2 The research focused on residents in southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin, where pesticide use on golf courses may be a key factor. Led by the Barrow Neurological Institute in Arizona, along with Mayo Clinic, the study analyzed 419 Parkinson's patients with a control group. Data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project between 1991 and 2015 helped researchers compare Parkinson's patients with a control group. The greatest risk was seen in people living one to three miles from a golf course and the expansive lawns that come with it. Living within one mile of a fairway was linked to a 126% increase in odds of developing Parkinson's, the study found. Those in water service areas that included a golf course had nearly double the risk compared to areas without one. The risk jumped 82% for people living in under water service areas that also had vulnerable groundwater. 'Pesticides applied to golf courses may play a role in the incidence of PD [Parkinson's disease] for nearby residents,' researchers concluded in the study, published in JAMA Network Open. 'The strongest effects were in municipal water service areas with a golf course and in regions with vulnerable groundwater based on the bedrock and topography,' lead author Brittany Krzyzanowski, Ph.D told Fox News. She added, 'We speculate that pesticides might play a role. However, we didn't include data on pesticides in this study, so future research is needed to better understand what's going on.' Peter Andre shares emotional moment he's reunited with his mum Thea who's battling Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Medical director of the MS Center at Holy Name Medical Center in New Jersey, Dr. Mary Ann Picone, who was not involved in the research, weighed in on the findings. 'There has often been discussion regarding risks for development of Parkinson's disease and environmental agents such as pesticides,' she told Fox News. 'Further research is needed with larger groups of patients, but this study does increase the concern about the association between pesticide exposure and risk of Parkinson's,' Picone added. She also warned that airborne exposure to pesticides could contribute to the risk. What is Parkinson's disease? PARKINSON'S is a progressive neurological condition. This means that it causes problems in the brain and gets worse over time. People with Parkinson's don't have enough of the chemical dopamine in their brain because some of the nerve cells that make it have stopped working. Around 145,000 people live with Parkinson's in the UK. It's the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. Symptoms start to appear when the brain can't make enough dopamine to control movement properly. This usually happens around the age of 50, but some people might see the first signs in their 40s. There are over 40 symptoms, but the three main ones are: A tremor (shaking) Slowness of movement Rigidity (muscle stiffness) There are several different treatments, therapies and support available to help manage the condition. Source: Parkinson's UK The study did not measure individual levels of pesticide exposure, which researchers noted as a limitation. 'There are many other aspects as well that can interfere with developing a disease,' said senior author Dr. Rodolfo Savica of the Mayo Clinic. Researchers admitted the results may not apply to all areas, since the study focused on a region with hot, humid summers where pesticide use may be higher. Other risk factors, like head injuries or genetics were also not considered in the study. DEVELOPING PARKINSON'S Krzyzanowski pointed out that Parkinson's can take decades to develop, so the focus was on exposure from years ago. 'If pesticides were involved, they would be the ones sprayed a long time ago and that might be different from what's being sprayed today,' she said. Picone echoed that point, adding the research looked at exposure going back to 2013 or earlier. The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America pushed back on the study's implications. 'Public health experts and researchers who have reviewed the study have noted that the study's methodological limitations make it difficult to draw conclusions from the data,' the group said in a statement. They added that all pesticides used on golf courses are registered by the EPA and don't create 'unreasonable adverse effects' when applied properly. Mayo Clinic's Savica said older adults should still enjoy being active and social. 'I recommend people continue to play sports outdoors and enjoy the sociality of any activity, including playing golf,' he said. But he also advised people to be cautious around areas where pesticide exposure may be possible.
New York Post
01-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Living near a golf course is linked to Parkinson's risk in new study as some cite limitations
Advertisement If living near a golf course seems scenic and relaxing, it may also be linked to a higher risk of Parkinson's disease, according to a surprising new study that comes with some limitations. Led by the Barrow Neurological Institute in Arizona, along with Mayo Clinic, the study found that the greatest risk was found among those who live within one to three miles of a golf course. 'The strongest effects were in municipal water service areas with a golf course and in regions with vulnerable groundwater based on the bedrock and topography,' lead study author Brittany Krzyzanowski, Ph.D., assistant professor at the Barrow Neurological Institute, told Fox News Digital. Advertisement 'These findings suggest that pesticides applied to golf courses may play a role in the incidence of PD [Parkinson's disease] for nearby residents,' the researchers concluded in the study, which was published in JAMA Network Open. The case-control study analyzed data from 419 Parkinson's patients averaging 73 years of age and living near 139 golf courses in southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. They then made comparisons to control data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project from 1991 to 2015. 5 Led by the Barrow Neurological Institute in Arizona, along with the Mayo Clinic, the study found that the greatest risk was among those who live within one to three miles of a golf course. Peakstock – Advertisement 'We had accurate data on golf course locations, and we could accurately determine the source of an individual's drinking water – whether that be municipal water or private well water,' Krzyzanowski noted. Living within one mile of a golf course was associated with 126% increased odds of developing the neurological disease compared to living more than six miles away, the study found. People living near water service areas with a golf course had nearly twice the risk of developing Parkinson's compared with individuals in water service areas without golf courses. Those living in water service areas with a golf course in vulnerable groundwater regions had an 82% higher risk, according to the findings. Advertisement (Vulnerable groundwater is more susceptible to contamination from human activities and environmental factors.) The associations remained even after the researchers adjusted for age and income, which suggests there could be something more than demographics driving the relationship between golf course proximity and risk of Parkinson's disease, Krzyzanowski noted. 'We speculate that pesticides might play a role; however, we didn't include data on pesticides in this study, so future research is needed to better understand what's going on,' she said. 5 The case-control study analyzed data from 419 Parkinson's patients averaging 73 years of age and living near 139 golf courses in southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Reese Coop/ – Dr. Mary Ann Picone, medical director of the MS Center at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, New Jersey, was not involved in the study but shared her opinion of the findings. 'There has often been discussion regarding risks for development of Parkinson's disease and environmental agents such as pesticides,' she told Fox News Digital. 'Further research is needed with larger groups of patients, but this study does increase the concern about the association between pesticide exposure and risk of Parkinson's, especially within a one- to three-mile radius and groundwater and well vulnerability.' Airborne exposure to the pesticides was also a factor, she added. Potential limitations Advertisement The main limitation of the study is that it is not possible to quantify the amount of exposure each person receives, according to Dr. Rodolfo Savica, Mayo Clinic neurologist and senior author of the study. 'Unfortunately, there are many other aspects as well that can interfere with developing a disease,' he told Fox News Digital. 'Despite that, we are trying our best to contemplate and adjust for any possible additional information, but sometimes that is not possible.' 5 Living within one mile of a golf course was associated with 126% increased odds of developing the neurological disease compared to living more than six miles away, the study found. ipopba – Advertisement The study was limited to a region with hot and humid summers, specifically southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin, where golf courses may have applied pesticides with more frequency compared to other geographic regions. 'Therefore, our results might not generalize to other areas,' the study lead noted. Other relevant Parkinson's risk factors, such as head trauma history and genetic predisposition, were not accounted for, Picone noted. Krzyzanowski also pointed out that Parkinson's disease develops many decades after exposure, so the study aimed to estimate exposure from long ago. Advertisement 'If pesticides were involved, they would be the ones sprayed a long time ago and that might be different from what's being sprayed today,' she said. 5 The associations remained even after the researchers adjusted for age and income, suggesting that something more than demographics may be driving the relationship between golf course proximity and the risk of Parkinson's disease. Thomas T/ – Picone agreed that because this study looked back to 2013, it is possible that different pesticides used before 2013 were not tracked. 'However, this study does provide evidence for an association between living on a golf course and pesticide groundwater exposure and risk of Parkinson's development, and does raise concern and the need for larger population sample research,' she shared with Fox News Digital. Advertisement Krzyzanowski added that because this was an observational study, the researchers couldn't make causal conclusions about the results. 'If you're worried about exposure of any kind, you should consult with your doctor,' she advised. Industry spokespeople respond A spokesperson from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, headquartered in Lawrence, Kansas, provided a statement to Fox News Digital in response to the study. 5 Living within one mile of a golf course was associated with 126% increased odds of developing the neurological disease compared to living more than six miles away, the study found. Pixel-Shot – 'Public health experts and researchers who have reviewed the study have noted that the study's methodological limitations make it difficult to draw conclusions from the data. As noted by the authors of the study, the role of pesticide exposure from golf courses in Parkinson's disease risk remains unclear. Without the methodological gaps being filled, the hypothesis linking golf-course pesticide exposure to Parkinson's Disease remains speculative.' The spokesperson noted that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rigorously tests and registers the pesticides that the golf industry uses to maintain healthy golf course turf. 'Pesticides registered by the EPA do not, according to the top researchers in their field, create unreasonable adverse effects to human health and the environment when used according to label directions,' the spokesperson continued. 'Golf course superintendents are leading practitioners of integrated pest management, a philosophy that reduces the potential environmental risks of pesticide usage.' Mayo Clinic's Savica recommended that older adults continue to stay active, which is crucial for their well-being. 'I recommend people continue to play sports outdoors and enjoy the sociality of any activity, including playing golf,' he said. 'On the other hand, I would recommend that people be very careful and avoid exposure to places where we know there can be an interaction between pesticides and contaminants.'
Fox News
30-06-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Living near a golf course is linked to Parkinson's risk in new study as some cite limitations
If living near a golf course seems scenic and relaxing, it may also be linked to a higher risk of Parkinson's disease, according to a surprising new study that comes with some limitations. Led by the Barrow Neurological Institute in Arizona, along with Mayo Clinic, the study found that the greatest risk was found among those who live within one to three miles of a golf course. "The strongest effects were in municipal water service areas with a golf course and in regions with vulnerable groundwater based on the bedrock and topography," lead study author Brittany Krzyzanowski, Ph.D., assistant professor at the Barrow Neurological Institute, told Fox News Digital. "These findings suggest that pesticides applied to golf courses may play a role in the incidence of PD [Parkinson's disease] for nearby residents," the researchers concluded in the study, which was published in JAMA Network Open. The case-control study analyzed data from 419 Parkinson's patients averaging 73 years of age and living near 139 golf courses in southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. They then made comparisons to control data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project from 1991 to 2015. "We had accurate data on golf course locations, and we could accurately determine the source of an individual's drinking water – whether that be municipal water or private well water," Krzyzanowski noted. Living within one mile of a golf course was associated with 126% increased odds of developing the neurological disease compared to living more than six miles away, the study found. People living near water service areas with a golf course had nearly twice the risk of developing Parkinson's, according to the new study. People living near water service areas with a golf course had nearly twice the risk of developing Parkinson's compared with individuals in water service areas without golf courses. Those living in water service areas with a golf course in vulnerable groundwater regions had an 82% higher risk, according to the findings. (Vulnerable groundwater is more susceptible to contamination from human activities and environmental factors.) The associations remained even after the researchers adjusted for age and income, which suggests there could be something more than demographics driving the relationship between golf course proximity and risk of Parkinson's disease, Krzyzanowski noted. "We speculate that pesticides might play a role; however, we didn't include data on pesticides in this study, so future research is needed to better understand what's going on," she said. Dr. Mary Ann Picone, medical director of the MS Center at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, New Jersey, was not involved in the study but shared her opinion of the findings. "There has often been discussion regarding risks for development of Parkinson's disease and environmental agents such as pesticides," she told Fox News Digital. "Further research is needed with larger groups of patients, but this study does increase the concern about the association between pesticide exposure and risk of Parkinson's, especially within a one- to three-mile radius and groundwater and well vulnerability." Airborne exposure to the pesticides was also a factor, she added. The main limitation of the study is that it is not possible to quantify the amount of exposure each person receives, according to Dr. Rodolfo Savica, Mayo Clinic neurologist and senior author of the study. "Unfortunately, there are many other aspects as well that can interfere with developing a disease," he told Fox News Digital. "Despite that, we are trying our best to contemplate and adjust for any possible additional information, but sometimes that is not possible." The study was limited to a region with hot and humid summers, specifically southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin, where golf courses may have applied pesticides with more frequency compared to other geographic regions. "Therefore, our results might not generalize to other areas," the study lead noted. Other relevant Parkinson's risk factors, such as head trauma history and genetic predisposition, were not accounted for, Picone noted. Krzyzanowski also pointed out that Parkinson's disease develops many decades after exposure, so the study aimed to estimate exposure from long ago. "If pesticides were involved, they would be the ones sprayed a long time ago and that might be different from what's being sprayed today," she said. "The study's methodological limitations make it difficult to draw conclusions from the data." Picone agreed that because this study looked back to 2013, it is possible that different pesticides used before 2013 were not tracked. "However, this study does provide evidence for an association between living on a golf course and pesticide groundwater exposure and risk of Parkinson's development, and does raise concern and the need for larger population sample research," she shared with Fox News Digital. Krzyzanowski added that because this was an observational study, the researchers couldn't make causal conclusions about the results. "If you're worried about exposure of any kind, you should consult with your doctor," she advised. A spokesperson from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, headquartered in Lawrence, Kansas, provided a statement to Fox News Digital in response to the study. "Public health experts and researchers who have reviewed the study have noted that the study's methodological limitations make it difficult to draw conclusions from the data. As noted by the authors of the study, the role of pesticide exposure from golf courses in Parkinson's disease risk remains unclear. Without the methodological gaps being filled, the hypothesis linking golf-course pesticide exposure to Parkinson's Disease remains speculative." "Pesticides registered by the EPA do not … create unreasonable adverse effects to human health and the environment when used according to label directions." The spokesperson noted that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rigorously tests and registers the pesticides that the golf industry uses to maintain healthy golf course turf. "Pesticides registered by the EPA do not, according to the top researchers in their field, create unreasonable adverse effects to human health and the environment when used according to label directions," the spokesperson continued. For more Health articles, visit "Golf course superintendents are leading practitioners of integrated pest management, a philosophy that reduces the potential environmental risks of pesticide usage." Mayo Clinic's Savica recommended that older adults continue to stay active, which is crucial for their well-being. "I recommend people continue to play sports outdoors and enjoy the sociality of any activity, including playing golf," he said. "On the other hand, I would recommend that people be very careful and avoid exposure to places where we know there can be an interaction between pesticides and contaminants."
Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'I watched own death on operating table before I was pushed back into my body'
Pam Reynolds Lowery's case is one of the most accurate near-death experiences on record - and now a woman who researched her case explained how the out-of-body experience occured A woman who had a near-death experience claims she saw things she shouldn't have whilst undergoing major surgery - and recalled the scary ordeal, leaving experts baffled. Pam Reynolds Lowery had one of the most well-documented near-death experiences on record when she had a risky brain operation. Pam had a "standstill operation" where doctors put her vitals into a near-death state in order to operate on the location of her brain aneurysm. During the procedure, she claimed to have 'floated above a doctor's shoulder' and despite being clinically dead, Pam 'observed' the operation where surgeons were drilling into her head. Christina Randall, a podcaster who has extensively researched the bizarre case, has detailed exactly how Pam's body went through an out-of-body experience. She explained how Pam had been experiencing symptoms of dizziness, temporary loss of speech and bouts of paralysis before a scan revealed a large aneurysm close to her brain stem. Christina explained: "As a last resort, a neurosurgeon of the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, decided that a rarely performed procedure called a standstill operation could improve Pam's chance of surviving." She continued: "Pam's body temperature was lowered to 50° Fahrenheit – or 10° Centigrade – her breathing and her heartbeat completely stopped and the blood was completely drained from her head," as previously reported by The Mirror. During the operation, her eyes were taped shut, and she wore a headset playing a series of loud clicking sounds over her ears. These sounds, which would have been intensely annoying if Pam had been conscious, allowed the anaesthetist to confirm that there was no activity in the patient's brain. Christina said: "Pam said during this she felt more aware than normal and her vision was more focused and clearer than normal... her senses became so hyper-aware it was as if she had more than five senses." She was in such a heightened state that she watched as the surgeons drilled into her skull to access the aneurysm. "She was able to see the electric saw that was pulled out to use on her and she described it as looking like an electric toothbrush," Christina continued. Because of her specific details, it meant she had managed to watch the major surgery from outside her own body. In her own words, Pam recalled: "I was looking down at the body. I knew it was my body but I didn't care. My vantage point was sort of sitting on the doctor's shoulder. I remember the instrument in his hand, it looked like the handle of my electric toothbrush." She then explained: "I had assumed that they were going to open the skull with a saw. I had heard the term 'saw' but what I saw looked a lot more like a drill than a saw – he even had little bits that were kept in this case that looked like the case that my father stored his socket wrenches in when I was a child." She also remembered the conversations between the doctors and nurses - and while she experienced the whole thing, she wasn't alone. Christina stated: "When she tried making out the figures, she realised that it was her grandmother and uncle and other deceased people that she knew." Pam specifically mentioned her late uncle, who passed away at just 39, seemed to be acting as a guide. She continued: "My uncle was the one who brought me back down to the body but then I got to where the body was and I looked at the thing and I for sure did not want to get in it." She said her body appeared "lifeless" and was "hesitant" to return to it, but her uncle persuaded her to go back. She said he told her it's "like diving into a swimming pool, just jump in" and said he pushed her to give her a "little help". She compared the experience to "jumping into ice water" and, after her operation, amazed the doctors with her recollection while she was "dead". Despite many people being sceptical of Pam's story, Cardiologist Michael Sabom is convinced that Pam's experience is authentic. He has identified over a hundred instances of anaesthetised or seriously injured individuals having experiences that suggest some form of life after death.
New York Post
17-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
‘Hollywood Medium' Tyler Henry, 29, reveals he had brain tumor — 4 symptoms to look out for
'Hollywood Medium' Tyler Henry is 'on the mend' after undergoing surgery to remove part of a rare tumor growing near the center of his brain. 'Great prognosis, incredible staff, and I feel so thankful to be surrounded by my family,' the 29-year-old clairvoyant — who's read for stars like the Kardashians, Megan Fox, and Chad Michael Murray — wrote in a May 14 Instagram post. The tumor, known as a colloid cyst, is noncancerous but potentially dangerous if left untreated. Here's what you need to know about the condition, including the signs that one might be quietly lurking in your brain. Advertisement 4 'Hollywood Medium' Tyler Henry plans to return to his famous readings once fully recovered. Getty Images for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards What are colloid cysts? Colloid cysts are rare, benign and slow-growing brain lesions, making up an estimated 0.5% to 1% of all primary brain tumors, according to Barrow Neurological Institute. While doctors don't know exactly what causes them, researchers believe these fluid-filled sacs begin forming during fetal development. Advertisement Colloid cysts are typically found deep in the brain's third ventricle — a narrow passage that helps circulate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the clear liquid that cushions and protects your brain and spinal cord. Most sit silently for years, causing no issues. But if a cyst grows large enough, it can block the flow of CSF, leading to a dangerous buildup in the brain known as hydrocephalus. 4 Colloid cysts can lead to a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid, increasing pressure on the brain. sudok1 – Advertisement That fluid pressure can damage brain tissues and trigger serious neurological problems. In severe cases, it can become life-threatening — and even lead to sudden death if left untreated. What are the symptoms of colloid cysts? Colloid cysts are often asymptomatic, and many people don't know they have one until it shows up unexpectedly on a brain scan for something else, according to RWJ Barnabas Health. When signs do appear, it's typically because the cyst has grown large enough to interfere with normal brain function, usually occurring after the age of 30. Symptoms can vary depending on where the lesion is located in the brain, but red flags often include headaches, memory problems, behavioral changes and brief losses of consciousness, which can escalate to coma in some cases. Advertisement 4 Symptoms depend on which part of the brain the cyst is growing in. Studio Romantic – If the cyst causes hydrocephalus, additional symptoms may surface, such as confusion, double vision, fatigue and difficulty walking. How do you treat colloid cysts? Doctors usually keep a close eye on small, symptom-free cysts with annual scans. But once they cause problems, surgery becomes the main option, according to Columbia Neurosurgery. The traditional method is a craniotomy, where surgeons open a section of the skull to access the cyst. However, in a growing number of cases, a less invasive endoscopic craniotomy is performed, in which doctors use a small tube with a camera and surgical tools to remove the cyst through a tiny incision. 4 This marked the second time the Hollywood medium had to receive brain surgery. Tyler Henry/Instagram Complete removal of a colloid cyst usually means a cure, but in some cases — like Henry's — only partial removal is possible due to factors such as the tumor's size and location. Advertisement 'For those curious,' the 'Life After Death' star explained to his 1.2 million followers, 'I had a colloid tumor near the center of my brain and thankfully most of it has been removed! (The tumor, not my brain… that is.)' Partial removal significantly raises the risk of the cyst returning. Patients in these cases are typically monitored closely with regular brain scans to catch any signs of regrowth early. If the cyst is too risky to remove surgically, doctors may opt to insert a shunt to drain excess CSF and reduce pressure on the brain. A shunt may also be used if hydrocephalus continues even after the cyst has been removed.
