{
  "id": 6315731,
  "title": "Why is smoking linked to a lower risk of Parkinson's?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/why-is-smoking-linked-to-a-lower-risk-of-parkinsons",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-08T19:40:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Medical Xpress",
    "slug": "medical-xpress",
    "url": "https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-09-linked-parkinson.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A recent study published in JAMA Neurology suggests that smoking may be linked to a lower risk of Parkinson's disease, as researchers found a connection between carbon monoxide levels and the condition. The team analyzed health data from 512,701 Chinese adults over a span of 12 years, including those with Parkinson's and those with other neurodegenerative diseases. They measured both smoking history and exhaled carbon monoxide levels in participants' breath. The findings reveal that both smoking history and elevated carbon monoxide levels were associated with a reduced risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Interestingly, nonsmokers with high carbon monoxide levels also exhibited a lower risk, indicating that carbon monoxide might independently protect against the disease. Associate Professor Andrea Bugarcic from Southern Cross University highlights the importance of longitudinal patient data in this study, which examined various factors like smoking and environmental conditions alongside scientific measurements like exhaled CO levels. The study suggests a potential mechanism for the previously observed protective effects of smoking on Parkinson's disease risk while also emphasizing the broader environmental impact of carbon monoxide release. While the study's observational nature does not establish causation, it opens the door for further research to understand the molecular connections between carbon monoxide and Parkinson's disease risk. Scientists are encouraged to delve deeper into this puzzle to develop targeted therapeutic approaches for patients.",
  "summary": "A link between carbon monoxide and Parkinson's disease may explain why smokers are at lower risk of developing the condition, according to international research. The team monitored the health of 512,701 Chinese adults over 12 years, including 1,131 people with Parkinson's and 2,949 with other neurodegenerative diseases. They investigated the impact of smoking using self-reported smoking…",
  "key_points": [
    "Smoking linked to lower Parkinson's risk in study",
    "Carbon monoxide levels associated with reduced risk",
    "Nonsmokers with high CO also showed lower risk"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}