Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease around Lakes in Northern New England, Northern Ohio, and Vancouver: Association with Glacial Sediments and Mineral Exposure

Scientists have observed amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease clusters around certain lakes in the regions of northern New England and northern Ohio. A Parkinson’s disease cluster has also been observed in Vancouver. Cyanobacteria toxin exposure has been considered as a potential risk factor to explain this association. It is reported here that these regions have several commonalities in their environment, including a notable geologic history, the presence of abundant glacial sediments, and possible mineral and bentonite exposures. The possible association with and significance of these risk factors in ALS and Parkinson’s disease is discussed.