A Hypothesis and Evidence That Mercury May Be an Etiological Factor in Parkinson’s disease

Siblerud R and Mutter J

Published on: 2021-11-08

Abstract

Mercury is one of the most toxic elements and can cause a multitude of health problems. It is ten times more toxic to neurons that lead. This study was designed to determine if mercury could be causing Parkinson’s disease [PD] by cross referencing the effects of mercury with 83 factors associated with PD. The results found that nearly all these factors could be explained by mercury toxicity. The hall mark changes in PD include a reduction of dopamine, resulting in resting tremors, bradykinesia,, rigidity, and postural instability, all of which can be caused by mercury toxicity. Other muscle symptoms include a loss of balance, akinesia, arm swing, asymmetrical symptoms, bruxism, cog wheeling, poor coordination, poor physical dexterity, hypokinetic dysarthria, dystonia, gait disturbances, poor eye to hand coordination, micrographic, movement disorders, palsy, abnormal posture, restless leg syndrome, muscle spasm, and walking problems. All these symptoms have been associated with mercury toxicity. Physiological disturbances in PD are found in the basal ganglia, brain-derived neurotrophic factors [BDNF], cerebrum, cerebellum, catechol o methyltransferase, constipation, estrogen, incontinence, pain, sleep disturbances, substantia nigra, sweating, and frequent urination. All these disturbances have been found in mercury toxicity. Similar biochemical changes are found in both PK and mercury toxicity that include coenzyme Q-10, complex 1, cytokines, excitotoxins, free radicals, GABA, glutamate, glutathione, monoamine oxidase, mitochondria changes, and ubiquitin dysfunction. Mental health problems associated with PD and mercury toxicity are similar, including agitation, bradyphrenia, cognitive impairment, dementia, depression, hallucinations, and mood swings. Genetic factors have been found in some patients with PD, and mercury is known to cause DNA damage and genetic mutations. The greatest source of mercury comes from dental amalgams. Evidence has been presented that strongly suggests mercury may be an etiological factor in Parkinson’s disease.