President Donald Trump’s residence at the Mar-a-Lago may significantly increase his risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open.
The new study raises potential health concerns for Trump and millions of other Americans who reside near, or frequently visit, golf courses.
Researchers found that people living within one mile of a golf course have a 126 percent higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those living more than six miles away. The risk decreases with distance but remains elevated up to three miles from golf courses.
While President Trump’s recent annual physical described him as being in “excellent health” and even pointed to his “frequent victories in golf events” as evidence of his fitness, his regular presence at golf courses could potentially expose him to the risk factors identified in the study.
Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, is right next to Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. He also spends significant time at his other golf properties around the world, including courses in Aberdeen, Scotland and Colts Neck, New Jersey.
The research, led by Dr. Brittany Krzyzanowski of the Barrow Neurological Institute, analyzed data from over 5,500 people, comparing 419 Parkinson’s cases with 5,113 healthy individuals matched for sex, age, and demographics. The team hypothesizes that pesticides used on golf course fairways and greens may expose nearby residents to toxic chemicals through air and groundwater.
“Individuals getting their tap water from groundwater water service areas with a golf course had nearly doubled odds of PD compared with individuals getting tap water from groundwater water service areas without golf courses,” the researchers reported.
The risk was particularly pronounced for people relying on groundwater sources for drinking water, especially in areas where groundwater is more susceptible to contamination. Mar-a-Lago is situated in a region with a high water table, potentially increasing vulnerability to groundwater contamination, The New York Post reported.
However, independent experts caution against drawing definitive conclusions from this single study.
Katherine Fletcher, lead researcher at Parkinson’s UK, noted: “Many studies have investigated whether pesticides increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s in different populations around the world. The results have been varied, but overall suggest that exposure to pesticides may increase the risk of the condition. However, the evidence is not strong enough to show that pesticide exposure directly causes Parkinson’s.
Dr. Michael Okun, national medical adviser for the Parkinson’s Foundation, pointed out the broader public health concerns in a social media post —
Nice article in Newsweek summarizing what people are saying about 'golf courses and Parkinson's.' This isn't about golf—it's about pesticides, environmental exposures, and preventable risks hiding in plain sight. National medical adviser for the Parkinson's Foundation Dr. Michael… pic.twitter.com/6gL0udTkmj
— Michael Okun (@MichaelOkun) May 11, 2025
Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder, affects approximately 1.1 million Americans, with cases expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030.
The condition impacts the nervous system, causing symptoms such as tremors, slow movement, and rigid muscles.
While there is no cure for Parkinson’s, treatment options are evolving. Recent research has shown promise for therapies including psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in “magic mushrooms,” and medications like tavapadon and produodopa.
Experts recommend that seniors and others concerned about Parkinson’s risk focus on preventable factors by exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy diet, regardless of their proximity to golf courses.