Overview

• Microplastic levels in human brains have risen by 50% between 2016 and 2024, with concentrations significantly higher in individuals diagnosed with dementia.
• A study in Nature Medicine found that the average adult brain contains microplastics equivalent in weight to a disposable plastic spoon, primarily composed of polyethylene.
• Emerging evidence links microplastics to health risks such as inflammation, disrupted organ function, and potential associations with conditions like dementia and cardiovascular diseases, though causation remains unproven.
• Experts recommend reducing exposure by switching to tap water, avoiding plastic containers for food storage, and limiting consumption of processed foods and bottled beverages.
• Research highlights the need for stricter regulations on microplastics, increased public awareness, and further studies to understand their long-term health impacts and potential removal mechanisms from the body.