Research indicates a troubling rise in Parkinson's disease rates, particularly in the U.S. regions known as the 'Parkinson's Belt,' where exposure to environmental toxins, such as agricultural chemicals and factory emissions, is suspected to be a contributing factor. A study highlighted a correlation between air pollution, specifically PM2.5 particles, and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's, with findings suggesting that inflammation from these pollutants may lead to the disease. Dr. Tim Greenamyre, who has developed Parkinson's himself, links his condition to chemicals he studied, underscoring the potential dangers of such exposures. Furthermore, a recent study identified serum neurofilament light (NFL) as a promising biomarker for predicting disease progression, with higher levels correlating with cognitive and motor decline in patients. This growing body of evidence emphasizes the need for further investigation into environmental factors and their role in the increasing incidence of Parkinson's disease.