The Parkinson's Belt: What You Need to Know if You Live in the Midwest and Southern States

What Is the Parkinson’s Belt?

The “Parkinson’s Belt” refers to a geographic region in the United States, primarily in the Midwest and parts of the South, that shows significantly higher rates of Parkinson’s disease (PD) compared to other areas. States like Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Pennsylvania fall into this category. Researchers have been studying why this regional pattern exists, and growing evidence seems to point to a combination of environmental exposures, particularly pesticides and air pollutants, as contributing factors to this neurodegenerative condition.

The Environmental Link: Pesticides and Air Pollutants

Several large-scale studies have found correlations between long-term exposure to herbicides, pesticides, and airborne toxins, common in agricultural and industrial regions, and an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease.

• Pesticides: Chemicals such as paraquat and rotenone are known to damage mitochondria and increase oxidative stress in dopaminergic neurons, cells in the brain crucial for motor control, and commonly affected in PD.

• Air Pollution: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), diesel exhaust, and heavy metals such as manganese and lead can trigger chronic inflammation and microglial activation in the brain, contributing to the breakdown of neuronal tissue over time.

• Even more commonly used substances like glyphosate could play a role in altering the gut microbiome and weakening the intestinal lining, which could potentially contribute to the gut-brain axis dysfunction that we see in many neurodegenerative disorders.

Air Pollution and Heavy Metals

Beyond farm fields, industrial zones and urban centers contribute another invisible threat: air pollution. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which includes soot, dust, and chemical byproducts from fossil fuel combustion, can infiltrate the brain via the olfactory nerve or bloodstream. Once inside, these particles activate microglia, the brain’s immune cells, which in turn release pro-inflammatory chemicals that damage brain tissue.

In addition, chronic exposure to airborne heavy metals such as manganese, lead, and mercury, common in industrial areas and older infrastructures, can accumulate in the brain over time. These metals disrupt neurotransmitter systems, particularly the dopamine pathways crucial in Parkinson’s.

• Studies have shown that individuals living near industrial plants, high-traffic roadways, or coal-burning facilities are at significantly higher risk of developing PD.

• Emerging research also links indoor air pollution, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning products and paints, to increased oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.

A “Perfect Storm” for the Brain

It’s usually not just one toxin that causes Parkinson’s, but rather a cumulative, synergistic effect of multiple exposures over years or decades. Genetics may load the gun, but environmental toxins often pull the trigger. When we combine this with other risk factors like aging, chronic stress, poor sleep, and a sedentary lifestyle, these environmental insults may create the perfect storm for neurodegeneration.

What makes this especially concerning is how silent the damage is. Many people exposed to these environmental toxins don’t feel the effects for years, until tremors, rigidity, or other signs of motor dysfunction begin to appear. That’s why early detection, preventive care, and reducing toxic burden are essential, especially for those living in the Parkinson’s Belt.

What’s most concerning to us is that these exposures are often low-dose but chronic, meaning symptoms may take years or even decades to manifest. This makes prevention and early intervention all the more important.

How to Protect Yourself if You Live in the Parkinson’s Belt

If you live in one of these high-risk regions, the good news is that there are proactive steps you can take to protect your brain health:

1. Air Quality Awareness

   • Use HEPA filters in your home and workplace. We personally use MedifyAir in our home.

   • Avoid outdoor exercise on high-pollution days (use apps like IQAir or AirNow).

   • Wear N95 masks when gardening, especially if you are living or working in rural or sprayed areas.

2. Reduce Pesticide Exposure

   • Wash produce thoroughly or buy organic when possible (focus on the “Dirty Dozen”). We like using apple cider vinegar, which also helps keep our produce fresh for longer.

   • Avoid using chemical herbicides or pesticides at home. Some alternatives to using these products include Diatomaceous Earth, Essential Oil-Based Sprays, Vinegar and Soap Traps, Neem Oil, Boric Acid, and Insect Repelling Plants (basil, lavender, mint, and marigolds).

   • Consider water filtration systems that remove agricultural runoff. We love the Berkey or Boroux filters.

3. Support Detoxification Pathways

   • Nutritional support: Cruciferous vegetables, antioxidants (glutathione, NAC), and hydration help the liver and kidneys eliminate toxins. These might include broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, red cabbage, bok choy, and arugula.

   • Sauna therapy and exercise: Both help promote sweating and circulation, supporting natural detoxification.

4. Get Screened for Neurological Function

   • Subclinical signs of neurological stress often appear before a formal diagnosis. Subtle changes in gait, coordination, reflexes, or eye movements may indicate the brain is under environmental strain.

   
   
   
   

Already Diagnosed? How Functional Neurology and Alternative Approaches Can Help

If you or a loved one has already been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, the diagnosis is not the end of the road. While mainstream medicine focuses primarily on managing symptoms with medications like levodopa, functional neurology and other integrative practices aim to optimize function and slow disease progression.

Here’s how:

1. Targeted Neuroplasticity - Functional neurology uses brain-based exercises tailored to your unique presentation, focusing on eye movements, balance, coordination, and vestibular function, to strengthen underperforming pathways in the brain.

2. Gait and Postural Retraining - Parkinson’s is often marked by shuffling gait, reduced arm swing, and poor postural control. Specific strategies can stimulate the cerebellum and basal ganglia to improve mobility and reduce fall risk.

3. Vestibular and Sensorimotor Integration - Since the vestibular system plays a key role in balance and spatial orientation, addressing dysfunction here can profoundly impact stability and spatial awareness, two things that often decline in PD.

4. Nutritional and Mitochondrial Support - A func

   
   
   
   

   tional medicine approach looks at mitochondrial resilience, inflammation control, and nutrient status. Supplements like CoQ10, B vitamins, and omega-3s may help protect neuronal tissue and support energy production.

5. Red Light Therapy & Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation - These emerging tools show promise in improving mitochondrial function and synaptic activity, offering adjunct support to both conventional and functional treatments.

Final Thoughts

Living in the Parkinson’s Belt doesn't mean you're destined to develop Parkinson’s disease. But it does mean that awareness, prevention, and proactive care are essential. At Delta Neuro Health, we specialize in identifying early neurological imbalances and helping patients with PD enhance their quality of life through customized, brain-based care.

Whether you’re seeking to protect your brain, slow progression, or explore alternative options beyond medication, functional neurology offers a hopeful and scientifically grounded path forward.

Interested in an assessment or a free phone consultation?

Call us at 614-706-2093 or visit www.deltaneurohealth.com to schedule a consultation.