Dementia: Are microplastics accumulating in our brains a risk factor?

Dementia: Are microplastics accumulating in our brains a risk factor?

• Researchers estimate that the average person consumes between 78,000 and 211,000 microplastic particles every year.
• Past studies show that microplastics and nanoplastics can be harmful to human health.
• A new study has found that humans tend to have higher concentrations of microplastics in the brain compared to other bodily organs.
• Researchers also found that people diagnosed with dementia have up to 10 times more microplastics present in their brains than those without the condition.

Past studies show that microplastics — extremely small pieces of plastic that are either manufactured or a byproduct of the breakdown of larger plastic items — are not only harmful to the environment, but also to human healthTrusted Source.

Researchers estimate that the average person consumes between 78,000 and 211,000 microplastic particles every year through drinking water, foods contaminated by microplastics, and breathing microplastics-containing air.

Through previous research, microplastics have been linked to an increased risk for several health conditions such as heart disease, lung diseaseTrusted Source, and cancerTrusted Source.

“Environmental concentrations of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) have been increasing exponentially over the past half-century,” Matthew Campen, PhD, toxicologist and Distinguished Professor in the College of Pharmacy at the University of New Mexico, explained to Medical News Today.

“Despite this rapid rise, much remains to be uncovered about how MNPs may pose potential risks to human health. Ongoing research is essential to clarify these risks, helping us stay ahead of the curve in understanding their effects and enabling us to develop strategies to prevent or mitigate possible harm,” he added.

Campen is the lead author of a new study recently published in the journal Nature MedicineTrusted Source that found levels of microplastics in the brain are at much higher amounts than in other organs, such as the liver and kidneys.

Researchers also found that people diagnosed with dementia have up to 10 times more microplastics present in their brains than those without the condition.

Polyethylene most common microplastic found in brain

For this study, researchers analyzed post-mortem brain tissue samples donated by the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator from between the years 2016 and 2024.

“This project was designed to specifically study concentrations of microplastics in human brains because it is one of the most critical tissues for understanding potential health risks,” Marcus Garcia, PharmD, toxicologist and PhRMA Foundation Fellow in the College of Pharmacy at the University of New Mexico, and co-first author of this study, told MNT. “Investigating microplastics in the brain can help determine whether these particles pose a direct threat to neurological health.”

“Additionally, with concern that microplastics accumulate in the brain over time, and since the brain has limited clearance mechanisms, this raises important questions that require more in-depth research to fully understand the potential long-term effects,” Garcia added.

Using a special method devised by the scientists, they identified the presence of 12 different polymers in the brain tissue samples, with polyethyleneTrusted Source being the most common. Polyethylene is a commonly used plastic and can be found in packaging, bags, insulation, and water pipes. More about this researh at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dementia-are-microplastics-ac…?

Written by Corrie Pelc on February 7, 2025— Fact checked by Jennifer Chesak, MSJ

More News from Ypsilanti

• Michigan’s Earned Sick Time and Minimum Wage Laws Keeping you informed of significant changes to Michigan’s paid sick leave and minimum wage law
• 5 Strategies To Deal With Difficult Adult Children This article will provide five effective strategies that respect the autonomy of an adult child while helping you maintain healthy boundaries and relationships.