Perspectives on ionizing radiation and Parkinson’s disease

npj Parkinson s Disease 2026 Open access

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Authors: Kathleen B. Miller, Nilufar Ali, Mandi Beavers, Steve Blattnig, John D. Boice, Egle Cekanaviciute, Sylvain V. Costes, Lawrence T. Dauer, Gregory Nelson, M. Kerry O'Banion, Sergey Y. Tolmachev, Catherine Davis
+1 more Diego Iacono
DOI: 10.1038/s41531-026-01486-6
Cited by: 1
References: 194

Abstract

Emerging evidence from terrestrial cohorts suggests that ionizing radiation (IR) exposure may increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Understanding the biological mechanisms underlying IR-induced PD is therefore critical for assessing health risks, particularly in the context of long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars. This perspective explores mechanistic pathways that may support causal links between IR and PD and highlights experimental and epidemiological approaches relevant for strengthening causal inference.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Parkinson's Disease Mechanisms and Treatments Neurological disorders and treatments Effects of Radiation Exposure

Publication details

Journal / source
npj Parkinson s Disease
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
12
Issue
1
Publication date
23 July 2026
Language
EN