Risk of Parkinson’s disease may increase with prolonged exposure to road traffic noise

Research suggests a quiet or less exposed part of the home could mitigate the association between road traffic noise and risk of Parkinson’s disease. Photograph: georgeclerk/Getty Images

Long-term exposure to road traffic noise is associated with a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease, the biggest study of its kind has found.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder in which parts of the brain become damaged over time, affecting movement and balance.