Scientists are warning that tiny plastic particles called microplastics might be damaging our brains and increasing the risk of serious diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
In a new study published in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, researchers highlighted five different ways microplastics can harm the brain, causing inflammation, weakening brain cells, and interfering with how our brains function.
Around 57 million people currently live with dementia, and experts expect that number to rise quickly. With microplastics now found almost everywhere in our environment—from food and water to household dust and clothing—scientists are deeply concerned that these tiny particles may be adding to the growing problem of brain diseases.
Associate Professor Kamal Dua from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) explained that adults are estimated to consume around 250 grams of microplastics each year. That’s about the same weight as a full dinner plate.
We take in microplastics from a range of sources, such as seafood, table salt, processed foods, bottled drinks, tea bags, plastic cutting boards, and even the air we breathe indoors. Carpets, synthetic clothes, and household dust all release plastic particles that we may end up inhaling.
The most common types of microplastics include polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and PET (polyethylene terephthalate). Although our bodies are able to remove many of these particles, research shows that some of them still build up in our organs, including the brain.
The new study, published in the journal Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, was carried out by researchers from UTS and Auburn University in the United States. They reviewed past studies to find out how microplastics affect the brain. They found five main ways these particles could do damage.
First, microplastics can weaken the blood–brain barrier. This barrier normally protects the brain from harmful substances in the bloodstream. When it becomes leaky, it allows toxic particles and immune cells to get in, causing inflammation and more damage.
Second, the immune system sees microplastics as dangerous invaders and sends immune cells to attack them. This immune response, especially in the brain, can cause further stress and injury.
Third, microplastics cause something called oxidative stress. They increase unstable molecules that can damage cells, while also lowering the body’s ability to fight off that damage. Over time, this can lead to brain cell damage.
Fourth, microplastics interfere with mitochondria, the parts of cells that produce energy. When mitochondria don’t work properly, brain cells don’t get the energy they need to function and survive.
Fifth, microplastics may directly damage neurons, the cells that send messages in the brain. This can lead to memory problems, movement disorders, and other symptoms seen in brain diseases.
The study also looked at how microplastics might make Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s worse. For Alzheimer’s, they may increase harmful protein buildup in the brain, such as beta-amyloid and tau. For Parkinson’s, microplastics may lead to clumps of α-Synuclein and damage the brain cells that control movement.
The researchers behind the study include UTS pharmacy student Alexander Chi Wang Siu, who is now working with Professor Murali Dhanasekaran at Auburn University, and Associate Professor Dua, Dr. Keshav Raj Paudel, and Distinguished Professor Brian Oliver from UTS. Their team is continuing to investigate how microplastics affect not just the brain, but also the lungs.
Although scientists need more studies to confirm exactly how microplastics impact diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, the early signs are troubling. The authors suggest that we all take steps to reduce our exposure to microplastics.
That means using fewer plastic containers and cutting boards, avoiding synthetic fabrics, drying clothes less often, and eating less packaged food.
The researchers hope their findings will also influence government policies to reduce plastic use and improve how plastic waste is managed. As plastic pollution grows, understanding how it affects our health is becoming more important than ever.
If you care about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies that bad lifestyle habits can cause Alzheimer’s disease, and strawberries can be good defence against Alzheimer’s.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that oral cannabis extract may help reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms, and Vitamin E may help prevent Parkinson’s disease.
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