Best of JAMA 2025: Episode 1: Proximity to Golf Courses and Risk of Parkinson Disease

This scientific study investigates the potential link between pesticide exposure from golf courses and the likelihood of developing Parkinson disease. Researchers discovered that individuals living within a short distance of these facilities faced significantly higher odds of a diagnosis, with the risk generally decreasing as the distance from the greens increased. A major focus of the analysis was drinking water contamination, showing that those residing in areas with vulnerable groundwater or municipal wells near golf courses were particularly susceptible. Ultimately, the text suggests that environmental proximity to chemically maintained landscapes may serve as a critical factor in the onset of this neurological condition.