World
Road traffic noise and Parkinson's disease: A major study establishes a link
The largest epidemiological study of its kind shows that prolonged exposure to road traffic noise is associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. Published on July 23, 2026 in JAMA Neurology, the study followed 3.1 million Danes aged 40 and over for 18 years using national health registry data. Risk increases by 3% for each additional 11.5-decibel increment measured at the most-exposed façade of the home. Experts and study authors agree: the study establishes a statistical association, not direct causality.