New Delhi, Sep 11 || Exposure to micro- and nano plastics may be linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease, according to a study in mice.
Micro- and nano plastics prevalent in the environment routinely enter the human body through the water we drink, foods we eat, and even the air we breathe.
The study, led by researchers from the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, showed that those plastic particles infiltrate all systems of the body, including the brain, where they can accumulate and lead to cognitive decline and even Alzheimer’s disease, especially in those who carry genetic risk factors.
The research follows a previous study that showed how microplastics can infiltrate all systems of the body -- including the blood-brain barrier, which protects the brain from harmful substances as small as viruses and bacteria.