Latest news with #WorldBrainWeek
Time of India
25-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Toothpaste & balms can affect brain health: Doctors
1 2 3 4 Nagpur: In a shocking link between everyday hygiene products and neurological health, doctors and neuroscientists raised fresh concerns about ingredients commonly found in toothpaste, balms, and essential oil-based products that may silently impact the brain over time. Observations made during World Brain Week prompted researchers to highlight the potential neurotoxic effects of substances such as camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus — common components found in daily-use products. Experts suggest checking labels and avoiding the overuse of strong aromatic products. "Many of these ingredients can cross the blood–brain barrier via the buccal mucosa, bypassing liver metabolism," said Dr Thomas Mathew, vice dean at St John's Medical College, Bengaluru. "Repeated exposure, especially every 24 to 48 hours, can lead to a phenomenon called chemical kindling, where brain neurons become hyperexcitable, possibly triggering seizures, migraines, or other neuropsychiatric disorders," Mathew said. Patients with unexplained headaches, seizures, anxiety, and even depression showed improvement simply by switching their toothpaste or stopping the use of certain balms, revealed Padma Shri Dr Chandrashekhar Meshram, trustee of the World Federation of Neurology. "These are not allergic reactions but neurostimulation effects. We've seen cluster headaches and migraines vanish within days of stopping using particular brands," he added. A landmark case series published recently in The International Journal of Head and Face Pain also documented cluster headaches linked to toothpaste use, which resolved upon discontinuation of a particular brand. Experimental studies in zebrafish showed that even brief exposure to toothpaste triggered aggression, anxiety, and hyperactivity, suggesting potential impact on the brain. "The concern is not that these products affect everyone, but that they could be contributing to unexplained neurological symptoms in susceptible individuals," said Dr Meshram. "We need collaborative research and funding to explore safe alternatives like water or saline-based oral hygiene products." The spotlight also fell on oral health as a window to brain health. New studies linked gum disease and poor dental hygiene with higher risks of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and even stroke. "Regular flossing was associated with up to 22% reduction in ischemic stroke risk," noted Dr S Sen, a researcher from the US. As evidence grows, neurologists are urging both the public and policymakers to consider the hidden neuro-health impacts of seemingly benign daily products, and to explore safer, inert alternatives. THE BRAIN & BALM CONNECTION Common balms and hair oils may contain brain-stimulating chemicals Some toothpaste ingredients can trigger headaches, seizures, and anxiety A zebrafish study showed toothpaste exposure causes hyperactivity and aggression Oral health and gum disease may increase the risk of stroke and Alzheimer's Experts urge consumers to check labels and avoid the overuse of strong aromatic products
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Mind The Bite: Mosquitoes Can Wreck Brain, Not Just Cause Dengue, Malaria
1 2 Nagpur: Next time a mosquito bites you, there's more to worry about than just malaria or dengue. Experts say that mosquitoes are spreading diseases, many of which can severely damage the brain. Highlighting the issue during World Brain Week, experts — including Padma Shri Dr Chandrashekhar Meshram, trustee of the World Federation of Neurology — have raised the alarm about how mosquito-borne infections are increasingly threatening brain health. "The majority of deaths caused by mosquito-borne diseases are due to brain involvement. Nervous system complications are now being reported more frequently," said Dr Meshram. Neurologists say that different mosquito species spread different diseases: Aedes mosquitoes spread zika, dengue, and chikungunya; Anopheles mosquitoes spread malaria; and Culex mosquitoes are responsible for Japanese encephalitis and West Nile virus. "Only female mosquitoes bite humans because they require protein during reproduction," Dr Meshram explained. What was once confined to tropical and subtropical regions has now expanded globally. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Aedes mosquitoes are now expanding into new geographical areas. One of the most persistent threats is chikungunya. Neurological complications from chikungunya — such as encephalopathy, spinal cord inflammation, and neuropathy — are seen in many patients. "About 10% die, and up to 40% of children develop long-term disabilities. We still don't have a specific treatment, but two vaccines are now nearing availability in India," Dr Meshram informed. Dengue is another growing concern. According to Dr Marco Medina, former president of the Pan American Federation of Neurological Sciences, "The global incidence of dengue has increased 30-fold in the last 30 years. It's now endemic in 128 countries, affecting 3.9 billion people, with around 70 to 140 million cases annually, and 5 lakh severe cases." Dr Medina highlighted that neurological symptoms occur in 4–5% of confirmed dengue cases, including encephalitis, meningitis, Parkinson's-like symptoms, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and even vision loss. "Though the Dengvaxia vaccine has been licensed in some countries, it requires three doses over six months and is not yet universally available," he added. The threat of malaria is equally alarming. "In 2023 alone, the world saw 263 million malaria cases and 597,000 deaths, with Africa accounting for 94% of these," said Dr Lawrence Tucker, president of the African Academy of Neurology. To combat these diseases, neurologists advocate sustained mosquito control and personal protection.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Rapid rise in microplastics found in human brain
Nagpur: Our brain has plastic. Yes, you read it right. Recent research shows that microplastics are entering the human brain, and the amount is rapidly increasing. Fruits are not plastic-free while plastic particles have been found in fish we eat, and even the water we drink. This perhaps explains the presence of plastic particles in the human brain, doctors say. Highlighting a major concern during World Brain Week, neurologists shared shocking data: A study comparing brains of people who died in 2016 with those who died in 2024 found 50% rise in plastic particles in the vital organ. "These findings are alarming. They show that our lifestyle changes over just a few years are impacting our brain," said Padma Shri Dr Chandrashekhar Meshram, senior neurologist from Nagpur and Trustee of the World Federation of Neurology (WFN). Dr Meshram shared research by Alexander Nihart on microplastics in deceased human brains published in the March edition of Nature Medicine journal. "Microplastics are so tiny in size that they can enter our body through food, water, air, and even skin contact. Once inside, they travel through our blood and get deposited in organs like the liver, kidneys, and especially the brain, where levels are 20 to 30 times higher than other organs," explained Dr Meshram. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like My 4-year-old kidneys are failing, only you can help Donate For Health Donate Now Undo "Microplastics cross the blood-brain barrier and can disrupt brain function. They may trigger inflammation and even stroke," said Dr Meshram. "Out of 12 types of plastic polymers found in the brain, polyethylene — used in bottles and packaging — was the most common," said professor Raidh Gouider, former WFN Trustee from Tunisia. He added, "Plastics now make up about 0.5% of brain weight. That's roughly 7 grams of micro and nano plastics in our brain over a lifetime." When asked if the brain can adapt naturally to this plastic, professor Jacques Reid, former chair of the Environmental Neurology Group, WFN, shared an interesting take. "The human brain is an extraordinary organ that has adapted over centuries to changing environments, including new dietary exposures," he said. "But adaptation has its limits. The rise in plastic exposure should not be taken lightly. We must act now to protect both our environment and our brain health," he added. BOX RESEARCH FINDINGS 50% more microplastics found in brains of people who died in 2024 as compared to those in 2016 7 grams of plastic can accumulate in a human brain over a lifetime Microplastics in the brain are 20–30 times higher than in the liver or kidney One litre bottled water carries 2.4 lakh plastic particles Apples & carrots have more than 1,00,000 plastic particles per gram
