Microplastics Particles Could Trigger Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms: Study

People with certain genetic expressions may face an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease when exposed to microplastics, due to changes in how the liver metabolizes plastic.

Data from a new study warns that microplastics and nanoplastics may easily enter the human body, affecting all organs and systems, especially the brain.

Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastics less than 5 millimeters wide, smaller than the size of a pencil eraser. Nanoplastics are even smaller, narrower than the width of a human hair. Both occur when larger pieces of plastic break down over time and enter the environment.

According to findings published in the journal Environmental Research Communications on August 20, exposure to micro- and nanoplastics may increase a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Microplastic Health Concerns

Plastics are now ubiquitous in the U.S. environment, and health experts warn that increasing exposure to these particles may lead to harmful health effects.

A recent study found microplastics in both tap and bottled water are small enough to enter the bloodstream and pass into various organs. Once inside the body, these particles can affect the pulmonary, hormonal and immune systems, potentially causing serious side effects.

In fact, Austrian researchers recently discovered that microplastics can travel to the lungs, where they trigger cellular changes that may lead to cancerous tumors. Meanwhile, researchers from Columbia University found that bottled water contains dangerously high levels of nanoplastics, reaching upward to 100 times more than previously believed.

Further research has also revealed alarming evidence that microplastics are accumulating in the human brain, particularly in the olfactory bulb, which is responsible for our sense of smell. 

Microplastics Alzheimer’s Risks

For the new study, researchers from the University of Rhode Island studied the effects of polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics.

The team, led by Lauren Gaspar, focused on the combination of having the Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) gene, a known risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease, and exposure to micro- and nanoplastics.

Overall, short-term three-week exposure to 0.1 and 2 micrometers (μm) of polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics led to significant changes in recognition memory in mice with the APOE4 gene. The data also showed exposure to microplastics changed how the liver metabolized the microplastics.

Researchers concluded the combination of the APOE4 gene and exposure to microplastics may promote cognitive dysfunction and change regulatory pathways affecting the immune system.

Microplastic Exposure Lawsuits

The findings of the study come as a number of lawsuits are being pursued against major manufacturers due to microplastic breakdown and exposure in consumer products.

In 2024, lawsuits were filed against Avent and Dr. Brown’s brands claiming microplastics in the companies’ baby bottles leached into infant formula, potentially causing long-term health risks. 

A class action lawsuit was also filed against WaterWipes alleging the products contain microplastics, even though they are marketed as a safe alternative to conventional wipes.

In May, a lawsuit was filed against Ziplock in California, alleging the bags release high levels of dangerous microplastics that can leach into food when frozen or microwaved, causing harm to human DNA and health.

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