Parkinson's disease, long considered an inevitable consequence of aging, is now being reframed as a potentially preventable neurodegenerative condition, offering a beacon of hope against its rapid global increase. Leading experts Dr. Ray Dorsey and Dr. Michael Okun posit that simple, yet significant, adjustments to our diet, water intake, air quality, and overall lifestyle could substantially diminish the incidence of this currently incurable disease.

Their groundbreaking work, detailed in their new book 'The Parkinson's Plan: A New Path to Prevention and Treatment,' introduces the 'Parkinson's 25'—a comprehensive checklist designed to empower individuals to lower their risk. The Daily Mail exclusively revealed five crucial steps from this list. Dr. Dorsey, who directed the Parkinson's disease division at Johns Hopkins and organized the first symposium on the brain and environment in 2024, and Dr. Okun, who directs the University of Florida's Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Disease and has served the Parkinson's Foundation for nearly two decades, have dedicated their professional lives to studying brain diseases.

The doctors challenge the misconception that Parkinson's is solely genetic or an unavoidable part of aging, attributing its rise to environmental factors such as pesticides in food and farms, industrial toxins in drinking water, and hidden particles in the air. They argue that knowledge of these causes enables effective lifestyle changes—from using water and air filters to keeping car windows closed in traffic—to reduce exposure. These recommendations, they suggest, can benefit even those with a family history or early symptoms, echoing the benefits of smoking cessation.

Five key preventative steps from their plan include:

• Washing Produce Thoroughly: Despite purchasing organic, pesticide residues can remain. Washing fruits and vegetables with water, and possibly a vegetable wash, for longer than 15-20 seconds (as per USDA's measurement practice) can reduce exposure. Consulting the Environmental Working Group's 'Dirty Dozen' and 'Clean Fifteen' lists, or speaking directly with farmers at markets, can also guide choices.

• Avoiding Dry Cleaners for Grocery Shopping: The chemical perchloroethylene (PCE), used in dry cleaning, can spread into nearby environments and dissolve in fat. Studies in Germany found significantly higher levels of PCE in dairy products at supermarkets near dry cleaners, leading to prohibitions against such proximity. Being mindful of neighboring businesses when choosing a grocery store is advised.

• Consuming Caffeine: Research consistently links caffeine intake to a decreased risk of Parkinson's. Caffeine may shield dopamine-producing nerve cells from toxicant damage. This benefit applies to both coffee and tea, but not decaffeinated beverages, offering another reason to enjoy a morning cup, while remaining mindful of caffeine's other health effects.

• Engaging in Regular Exercise: Described as