Health emergency: Human brain becoming a plastic storehouse, linked to dementia surge in US; current situation and precautionary measures

Economic Times

17-05-2025

TIL Creatives Microplastics are now found in human brains, linked to rising dementia cases in the US. Protect yourself by reducing plastic exposure
It's in the deepest trenches of the ocean, the peaks of the Himalayas, and even the air we breathe. Plastic has crept into every corner of our world. Now, scientists say it's infiltrating something far more personal.
In a concerning revelation, scientists have discovered that microplastics, tiny fragments of plastic less than 5 millimeters in size, are accumulating in human brains, potentially contributing to the rise of dementia in the United States.
These tiny particles can accumulate in the body, with prior research linking them to various forms of cancer, including skin, breast, cervical, and colorectal, as well as testicular cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and now dementia.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of New Mexico analyzed brain tissue from 54 autopsies, spanning from 2016 to 2024. Remarkably, every sample contained microplastics, with concentrations increasing by 50% over the eight years. On average, the amount found was equivalent to the mass of a plastic spoon. Dr. Matthew Campen, the study's lead author and a toxicologist at the University of New Mexico, expressed his surprise and said, "I never would have imagined it was this high."
The researchers identified 12 different plastic polymers in the brain tissues, with polyethylene, a material commonly used in packaging and containers, being the most prevalent.Alarmingly, individuals diagnosed with dementia exhibited up to ten times more microplastics in their brain tissue compared to those without the condition.These microplastics, especially those measuring 200 nanometers or smaller, can cross the blood-brain barrier, a protective shield that typically prevents harmful substances from entering the brain. Once inside, they may trigger inflammation, disrupt neurological signaling, and potentially contribute to the development of neurological disorders.Dr. Gary Small, chair of psychiatry at Hackensack University Medical Center, emphasized caution: "Current findings in relation to dementia do not prove a causal relationship, but they are still cause for concern."These particles likely enter the body through contaminated food and beverages. For instance, significant levels of microplastics have been found in store-bought meat. Professor Campen noted, "The way we irrigate fields with plastic-contaminated water, we postulate that the plastics build up there." Over time, these chemicals may accumulate in fields as a result of feeding crops to livestock and fertilizing fields with their waste.Alzheimer's disease is escalating at an alarming rate in the United States, with over 7 million Americans currently living with the condition. That number is expected to climb to nearly 13 million by 2050, driven largely by the aging population. Around 1 in 9 Americans aged 65 and older now lives with Alzheimer's, with women About 200,000 Americans under 65 are believed to be living with younger-onset dementia. As the baby boomer generation continues to age, these numbers are projected to grow.The cost of Alzheimer's is not just measured in lives affected—it's also placing a staggering burden on the U.S. economy. In 2025, health and long-term care costs for those living with dementia are projected to hit $384 billion, with that number expected to approach $1 trillion by 2050. In response to these findings and the current situation in the country, health professionals recommend several strategies to reduce microplastic exposure: Use alternatives to single-use plastics : Opt for glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic ones.
: Opt for glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic ones. Install water purifiers : Filtering tap water can significantly reduce microplastic intake.
: Filtering tap water can significantly reduce microplastic intake. Choose natural fibers: Select clothing and textiles made from natural materials over synthetic fabrics.
The detection of microplastics in every human brain sample analyzed highlights the widespread reach of plastic pollution and its potential implications for human health.