August 23rd 2024.
Recent research has raised concerns about the presence of microplastics in human brains and a potential connection to the increasing prevalence of Alzheimer's disease. The University of New Mexico conducted a study analyzing 51 samples of liver, kidney, and brain tissue collected in 2016 and 2024. The findings, which have not yet been peer-reviewed, revealed that the highest concentration of microplastics was found in 12 brain samples from individuals who had passed away with dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
While microplastic particles were detected in all of the organs studied, the brain samples showed the most significant levels, up to 30 times higher than those found in the liver or kidney samples. In fact, the brain tissue from those who had dementia or Alzheimer's contained ten times more plastic by weight than the samples from healthy individuals, as reported in the New Lede.
However, these initial findings are not enough to prove a direct link between microplastics and these neurological diseases. More research is needed to fully understand the potential impact of microplastics on brain health. The researchers noted that the incidence of dementia and Alzheimer's is on the rise globally, coinciding with a 50% increase in the amount of plastic found in human brains over the past eight years.
Previous studies in mice have also shown a correlation between nanoplastics in the brain and cognitive changes and other conditions of the brain. However, the study published in the journal Science Advances in 2023 revealed that nanoplastics can interact with a protein called alpha-synuclein, which plays a crucial role in nerve cell communication. These particles can bind tightly to alpha-synuclein, potentially leading to the formation of toxic clumps similar to those found in Parkinson's disease.
Lead author of the study, toxicologist Matthew Campen from the University of New Mexico, expressed concern over the findings, stating, "It's pretty alarming. There's much more plastic in our brains than I ever would have imagined or been comfortable with." These microplastics are present in the air, water, and food we consume, but the extent to which they affect human health is not yet fully understood.
According to a 2022 study published in the Lancet Public Health, cases of dementia are expected to triple by 2050, highlighting the urgency for further research into potential causes and preventive measures. This week, it was announced that the drug lecanemab, touted as groundbreaking in the treatment of Alzheimer's, will not be made available on the NHS due to its high cost. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence stated that the benefits of the medication were not significant enough to justify the expense.
In conclusion, while the initial findings of this study raise concerns about the presence of microplastics in human brains and a potential link to Alzheimer's and other neurological diseases, more research is needed to fully understand the extent of this issue. The rise in global dementia cases and the increasing amount of plastic in human brains highlight the need for further investigation into the impact of microplastics on our health.
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