How air pollution, heat, and green spaces affect Parkinson's symptoms and hospital visits
Characterizing the link between multiple environmental exposures and Parkinsons disease exacerbation
This work looks at whether air pollution, hot weather, and nearby green spaces change symptom flare-ups and hospital visits for older adults with Parkinson's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11137580 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will link U.S. national hospitalization records for people with Parkinson's to detailed environmental data on air pollution (including PM2.5 components), temperature, and neighborhood greenness. They will examine both short-term (days) and long-term (years) exposures and use advanced statistical methods to reduce confounding. The goal is to identify which environmental factors and which people are most likely to experience symptom worsening and hospital admissions. Results are intended to inform who might benefit from warnings or interventions and where to focus protective efforts.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People aged 65 and older with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, especially those with recent symptom worsening or hospital admissions, are the most relevant group for these findings.
Not a fit: People without Parkinson's, younger individuals under 65, or anyone seeking a direct treatment from participation should not expect personal clinical benefit from this observational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal modifiable environmental triggers and help reduce symptom flare-ups and hospitalizations among people with Parkinson's.
How similar studies have performed: A few smaller studies have suggested links between air pollution or heat and worse Parkinson's outcomes, but a nationwide analysis combining multiple exposures is novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zanobetti, Antonella — Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Zanobetti, Antonella
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.