Baghdad: A study conducted by the University of Copenhagen in Denmark has revealed a possible link between continuous exposure to traffic noise and an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

According to Iraqi News Agency, the study followed more than 3.1 million people aged 40 and over for 18 years. The results showed that higher levels of traffic noise in residential areas were associated with a 3% increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

Professor Martin S¸rensen, who supervised the study, said that Parkinson’s disease is not solely linked to genetic factors, explaining that environmental factors can also play a role in increasing the risk of developing the disease.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, balance, and muscle control. According to the World Health Organization, more than 8.5 million people worldwide are living with the disease.

The researchers noted that continuous exposure to high levels of noise may be linked to increased stress and sleep disturbances, which are environmental factors that can affect the health of the nervous system.

However, the relationship between traffic noise and Parkinson’s disease needs further research to determine its nature and mechanisms more accurately.