A survey looking at the rates of Parkinson's disease in a county in Minnesota found that over 30 years, between 1976 and 2005, the rates of Parkinson's disease increased by a factor of 1.35 per decade, which is an approximate 250% increase. The authors of the study speculate that lower smoking rates might be responsible for the increase, since there is a theory that nicotine may lessen the symptoms or perhaps somehow reduce the likelihood of Parkinson's disease. However, the authors of the study are open to other explanations, like perhaps the increased use of certain types of pesticides. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/...increase-in-parkinsons-disease-over-30-years/ Parkinson's is a progressively worsening and debilitating brain condition that primarily causes difficulty with movement, most often appearing in the older middle aged stage of life. Currently there is no cure, and treatment options are very limited. It's more common than many people think, I know two people in my small circle of acquaintances, in their 60s, who were both recently diagnosed with it less than 5 years ago.
