Microplastics in our brain: a danger for cognitive health?
Microplastics are everywhere: in the water we drink, the food we eat, and the air we breathe. But did you know they’re also accumulating in our brains? A recent study published in Nature Medicine found that microplastic concentrations are much higher in the human brain than in other organs. Worse still, researchers found that people with dementia had up to 10 times more of them than healthy people.
1. What are microplastics and how do they affect us?
Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic, either produced by the degradation of larger plastics or directly manufactured in this form. According to researchers, the average person ingests between 78,000 and 211,000 particles each year. These particles have already been linked to various health problems, including cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases and even some cancers.
The study found that the brain accumulates more microplastics than the liver, kidneys or placenta. This accumulation could have adverse effects on neurological health, although the exact mechanisms remain to be elucidated.
2. Microplastics and dementia: a worrying link
Researchers have found alarming concentrations of microplastics in the brains of dementia patients, up to 10 times higher than in people without cognitive impairment. But be careful: this does not mean that microplastics cause dementia.
According to Marcus Garcia, co-author of the study, "it is possible that the disease itself promotes the accumulation of microplastics due to metabolic changes or altered elimination mechanisms." It is therefore essential to continue research to better understand these interactions.
3. How can we reduce our exposure to microplastics?
Although we cannot completely eliminate microplastics from our environment, there are some steps we can take to help limit our exposure:
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Reduce plastic use : opt for reusable containers
- Glass Jars and Bottles – Great for storing dry goods, drinks or leftovers. ( Free glass bottle for every Daily Energy subscription!)
- Stainless steel or bamboo boxes – Lightweight, durable and perfect for transporting meals without the risk of plastic contamination.
- Do not reheat food in plastic containers , as heat promotes particle migration.
- Favor a healthy diet and not ultra-processed , because some processed products contain more microplastics.
- Drink filtered water instead of bottled water , a major source of microplastics.
- Choose clothing made from natural fibers like organic cotton or linen, rather than synthetic textiles.
- Ventilate and vacuum your home regularly to limit the accumulation of microplastics in household dust.
While we wait to learn more, let's adopt simple actions to limit our exposure and protect our cognitive health in the long term.
