Researchers found that people with dementia had more microplastics in their brains than those without dementia.
What happened?
The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, looked at 52 donated brains and confirmed that microplastics can enter the brain. Microplastics enter through the blood-brain barrier, which separates blood from other fluids in the brain.
The team also found that these 2024 samples had much higher levels of microplastics than the 2016 brains. Considering only the 2024 sample, people with dementia had three to five times more microplastics than people without dementia.
The researchers stress that the findings are relevant for now. More research is needed to determine whether microplastics play a role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia. That being said, research doesn’t often bring good news about microplastics.
“Every time we scratch the surface, there’s a whole bunch of questions about, ‘Oh, is this worse than we thought?'” study leader Matthew Campen, a professor of toxicology at the University of New Mexico, told Earth.com.
Why are microplastics a concern?
Microplastics have been linked to other health problems, such as heart disease and hormone disorders. Although more research is needed to understand whether microplastics directly exacerbate these problems, researchers know that plastics can cause harm.
Microplastics enter the environment when plastic landfill waste or garbage breaks down. Even the air may contain microplastics.
As frustrating as it is to know this, acknowledging the nature of microplastics can make it easier to find solutions.
What measures are being taken against microplastics?
As Earth.com notes, there is no magic solution that will make all microplastics disappear. However, using reusable containers and wearing natural fiber clothing can reduce your personal exposure.
When the outlet asked experts what would work best, they stressed that better filtration and regulation of industrial waste is crucial.
Advocating for companies to offer plastic-free options to consumers can have an impact, especially if you organize the campaign with others. While it won’t be easy, advocating now can lead to a cleaner, safer future.
Meanwhile, Earth.com says more research could determine how microplastics affect specific populations. Research also suggests that age, health and lifestyle may influence the effects of microplastics in humans. Time and funding are among the best solutions for researchers to complete this important work.
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