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To examine the possible role of environmental factors in the cause of Parkinson's disease(PD),we reviewed mortality trends for PD in the United States from 1962 through 1984.We found that age-specific mortality for PD in all demographic groups had changed notably during this 23-year interval.Among whites of both sexes,substantial declines were observed among the middle-aged,while notable increases were seen in the geriatric age groups.Similar changes were found in nonwhites;among nonwhites in the geriatric age range,increases of 22%to 553%were observed among men and 12% to 157%were observed among women.Men generally had a 100%higher risk of death due to PD than did women.Whites were at three times the risk of nonwhites.The observed temporal changes appear to reflect improved treatment,better case ascertainment,and a true rise in the incidence of PD,particularly among the elderly.This rise may be due to preventable environmental causes and will require further investigation. |
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