K2.1 METHODOLOGICAL CHALLENGES IN IDENTIFYING OCCUPATIONAL RISK FACTORS FOR NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES

H. Checkoway.Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA

The most common neurodegenerative disorders, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are substantial causes of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Regrettably, very few aetiological factors have been identified for these disorders, although there is evidence from both toxicological and epidemiological research that environmental agents may play important causal roles. Notable examples are possible associations of aluminium with AD, pesticides with PD, and lead with ALS. Some of the environmental agents of concern are present in substantial quantities in the …