[CoachKandSportsguy]

Originally Posted by USOTR

Here another rumor you can push on social media. "Because of activity levels the average Village citizen lives 10 years longer than those who do not live in The Villages."


Chemicals are everywhere. From micro plastics in your table salt, to your toothpaste there is not getting around it in a modern country. Even the most pristine stream have some level of pollution in them, as well as most of the food you eat. Long story short, none of us are getting out of here alive, so you might as well enjoy yourself while we are here.

Best medical response to the JAMA article:

May 18, 2025
Limitations
Marcus Shaker, MD, MS | Dartmouth Health
Thank you for this thought-provoking analysis. As the authors highlight, environmental toxins likely have an underrecognized impact on human health. Still, before calling your realtor, it is worth highlighting several limitations of this study.

First, the authors present data on relative risk, so it is important to remember that the absolute risk of Parkinson disease (PD) is low, and even considering the elevated adjusted odds ratios, most individuals living near golf courses will not develop PD.

Second, as the authors note, there is not a dose response seen for those within a 3-mile radius of the golf course. Together with the lack of statistical significance provided in Table 1, this raises concerns for confounding. It appears that the risk of urban residence and White race are higher in cases than distance from a golf course. From Table 1, cases live a median 1.72 miles from a golf course and controls live 1.98 miles away. Is a median difference of 0.26 miles likely to have a plausible impact when there is no dose-response gradient within 3 miles? Are pesticides used on golf courses within 3 miles of a residence more likely to impact PD risk than those used on individuals' own lawns, or those used inside their own homes? And what of the health benefits of green spaces?

Overall, this study reminds us to be aware of unrecognized harms, but further research is needed before planning your next move because of proximity to a golf course.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by SoCalGal

Researchers and experts implicate pesticide exposure—from heavy chemical use on courses—via contamination of water or airborne drift. The study shows a correlation but can't prove that living near a golf course causes Parkinson’s. Other factors—like genetics, head injuries, or other environmental exposures—were not fully accounted for. Only the three years prior to diagnosis were included in the exposure analysis—though Parkinson’s typically develops over decades. Conducted in a specific region; results may not generalize broadly. Golf course pesticide use and water geology differ elsewhere. The study assumed exposure based on proximity and water system overlap, but did not test tap water or soil directly for pesticide levels. A disproportionate number of cases were urban, raising questions about air pollution or other urban-area triggers. Experts describe the findings as “striking” and “biologically plausible” due to known pesticide neurotoxicity. But they emphasize that more research is needed—ideally with broader geographic coverage, longer time frames, and actual pesticide measurements.

Residential Proximity to Golf Courses Linked to Parkinson’s Disease

Add to that it was a retrospective study of only 419 patients and a control group of 20 and what you have is basically a useless study with no valid conclusions. Don't move to the middle of the desert just yet.

[eeroger]

Originally Posted by Yvonnie313

I just posted in General but should have posted here. There are reports all over the news and social media lately stating that living close to a golf course raises your chances of developing Parkinson’s Disease by 126 percent! After digging I found TV has quite a large population of people with Parkinson’s. Thats very frightening to me. Since I haven’t moved to The Villages yet but would like to, what are others saying or doing about this to avoid exposure to dangerous chemicals that is causing this? (If you haven’t heard this yet, it’s simple to google it and find the info). I’m truly afraid but want to find an answers and solutions to ease my worries. Thank you

You have to also remember that The Villages has a very large number of veterans. How many of those were in Vietnam and were exposed to Agent Orange. Parkinson's is a presumed disease related to A. O. However many Villagers were exposed to pesticides through their occupation - i.e. farmers, landscapers, etc. Not to worry.

[bowlingal]

move here, but don't buy on a golf course.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by bowlingal

move here, but don't buy on a golf course.

Or one near a retention pond, one with grass growing around it, one with a pool.🤦*♂️

[LuLinn]

Best response here

[Eagle06]

Originally Posted by CoachKandSportsguy

In other golf course Parkinson's news, one of the long time managers at our local municipal course has Parkinson's. .

And how “old” is this “long time manager”? Seems Parkinson’s is more prevalent in older adults and aren’t we that population here in The Vil?

[MandoMan]

Originally Posted by CoachKandSportsguy

Just a moment...

is this the study done? published in JAMA

Interesting study. Thanks for sharing that. Does our water come from a deeper aquifer? I think it does for at least most of The Villages.

If Parkinson’s can be caused by pesticides on golf courses, I would urge all golfers to stop licking the soles of their shoes clean after playing.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by CoachKandSportsguy

Best medical response to the JAMA article:

May 18, 2025
Limitations
Marcus Shaker, MD, MS | Dartmouth Health
Thank you for this thought-provoking analysis. As the authors highlight, environmental toxins likely have an underrecognized impact on human health. Still, before calling your realtor, it is worth highlighting several limitations of this study.

First, the authors present data on relative risk, so it is important to remember that the absolute risk of Parkinson disease (PD) is low, and even considering the elevated adjusted odds ratios, most individuals living near golf courses will not develop PD.

Second, as the authors note, there is not a dose response seen for those within a 3-mile radius of the golf course. Together with the lack of statistical significance provided in Table 1, this raises concerns for confounding. It appears that the risk of urban residence and White race are higher in cases than distance from a golf course. From Table 1, cases live a median 1.72 miles from a golf course and controls live 1.98 miles away. Is a median difference of 0.26 miles likely to have a plausible impact when there is no dose-response gradient within 3 miles? Are pesticides used on golf courses within 3 miles of a residence more likely to impact PD risk than those used on individuals' own lawns, or those used inside their own homes? And what of the health benefits of green spaces?

Overall, this study reminds us to be aware of unrecognized harms, but further research is needed before planning your next move because of proximity to a golf course.

There probably is a correlation, I know of many farmers who have suffered from Parkinson's disease and they handled many of those types of sprays, weed and pesticide control. But what's the diff..., we all have to die of something and it's hard to beat a golf course view.

[gwenhwalker@yahoo.com]

Lived here over 10 years in 3 different neighborhoods and I don't know anyone with Parkinson

[gighilton]

Ive lived on a golf course my whole life, now 71! I've played golf on golf course since I was10. I currently live off of #1 Green at Southern Oaks. I , my wife and children are all healthy, and no Parkinson's. Maybe that information can calm your fears. But probably not! Do you know that more people die in cold months than in hot months...maybe you should come on to Florida regardless of Parkinson's! Good luck...
I

[mraines]

Originally Posted by Yvonnie313

I just posted in General but should have posted here. There are reports all over the news and social media lately stating that living close to a golf course raises your chances of developing Parkinson’s Disease by 126 percent! After digging I found TV has quite a large population of people with Parkinson’s. Thats very frightening to me. Since I haven’t moved to The Villages yet but would like to, what are others saying or doing about this to avoid exposure to dangerous chemicals that is causing this? (If you haven’t heard this yet, it’s simple to google it and find the info). I’m truly afraid but want to find an answers and solutions to ease my worries. Thank you

Sounds like a conspiracy theory to me.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by Juliebythesea

You probably shouldn’t move here. It’s too dangerous for you.

Yes, do not ask a civil question here because it's not the place for a civil answer!

[ByebyeMichigan]

Oh stop it …..live your life and stop worrying about everything you read , much of what is false or unproven……

[Whatnext]

The research should be on US greens keepers. See if there is an above average incident of Parkinson's in that group.
As GE pointed out, the test group was so small as to be irrelevant in the report.