The Rio Grande Valley in Texas, a hub of agricultural productivity, is facing an unexpected health crisis. Neuroscientist Kelsey Baker, an assistant professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, has uncovered a disturbing trend: a high incidence of Parkinson’s disease among residents, potentially linked to pesticide exposure.

Baker’s research, conducted in collaboration with, highlights the urgent need to address the environmental and health impacts of agricultural practices in the region. The findings suggest that the widespread use of pesticides, particularly paraquat may be contributing to the rising number of Parkinson’s cases, a disease that has been linked to environmental toxins for over 30 years.

Pesticide Exposure and Parkinson’s Disease

The Rio Grande Valley, encompassing cities like McAllen and Edinburg, is one of the state’s most productive agricultural regions. However, this productivity comes at a cost. Baker’s initial research revealed that more than 80% of Parkinson’s cases have no genetic links and are likely influenced by environmental factors. Studies have shown that people exposed to pesticides have a greater risk of developing the disease.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by symptoms such as tremor, slow movement, stiffness, and unsteadiness. It is the world’s fastest-growing neurological disorder, with projections indicating that over 25 million people will be affected by 2050. The disease not only affects physical health but also leads to depression, difficulty concentrating, and bowel and urinary problems.

The Impact of Paraquat

A recent analysis by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed that paraquat, a weedkiller with strong links to Parkinson’s, can travel significant distances in the air, exposing anyone within a 20-square mile area to unsafe levels. Despite being banned or phased out in at least 74 countries, the use of paraquat has increased in the United States due to weed resistance to other herbicides.

Baker’s small study in 2026 found that people with repeated pesticide exposure exhibited more brain abnormalities than those without such exposure. This preliminary research inspired her to launch a larger, more definitive project to develop tools for easier diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

Personal Stories of Suffering

The human impact of this health crisis is profound. Leo Armando Ramirez, Sr., a former Texas Teacher of the Year, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2026 at the age of 71. Ramirez, who began working in the fields as a child, recalls being exposed to pesticides that drifted over his family as they worked. His family’s history of Parkinson’s, including his mother, uncle, and eldest brother, suggests a possible genetic component, but the role of pesticides cannot be ignored.

Ramirez’s story is not unique. Esmeralda “Myla” Garza, a retired nurse in McAllen, Texas, also worked in the fields as a child. She remembers crop dusters spraying pesticides and fertilizers over the fields where she worked. Garza was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019 and has since struggled with tremors, difficulty walking, and emotional challenges.

The Challenge of Diagnosis and Treatment

The Rio Grande Valley faces a shortage of neurologists, particularly those specializing in movement disorders. There are only about 30 neurologists in the region, half the expected number for its population. To access specialized care, residents must travel hours to San Antonio or Houston. The lack of movement specialists and the difficulty in diagnosing Parkinson’s contribute to the challenges faced by patients.

Garza’s journey highlights the resilience of those affected by the disease. Despite her struggles, she continues to attend support groups and seeks ways to manage her condition. Her story underscores the need for better access to healthcare and specialized treatment for Parkinson’s patients in the Rio Grande Valley.

The Call for Action

Dr. Ray Dorsey, director of the Center for the Brain and Environment at the Atria Health and Research Institute in New York, compares the research linking Parkinson’s to environmental toxins to early research linking cigarettes to cancer. He argues that the scientific evidence is so strong that action must be taken to prevent needless suffering.

Dorsey and other experts call for the EPA to ban paraquat, citing overwhelming evidence of its harmful effects. The EPA’s 2011 review of paraquat and other pesticides is ongoing, but advocates argue that the agency has not adequately reviewed the evidence linking paraquat to Parkinson’s disease. Farmworker advocates and health organizations have sued the EPA, demanding a more thorough review of the pesticide’s safety.

The Rio Grande Valley’s health crisis serves as a stark reminder of the need to address the environmental and health impacts of agricultural practices. As the region continues to grapple with the rising incidence of Parkinson’s disease, the stories of individuals like Ramirez and Garza highlight the urgent need for action to protect the health and well-being of its residents.