Scientists from Duke University found that plastic nanoparticles cause changes in the brain associated with Parkinson’s disease and some types of dementia. The research was published in the journal Science Developments.
Much evidence suggests that environmental factors may play an important role in the development of Parkinson’s disease, but many of these factors remain unidentified. In a new study, scientists found that polystyrene plastic nanoparticles, often found in disposable items such as drinking cups and cutlery, form strong bonds with the protein alpha-synuclein, promoting the accumulation of this protein in the brains of mice and human neurons.
Previous research has shown that improperly disposed plastic breaks down into micro- and nanoparticles that accumulate in water and food. Experiments with humans have shown that plastic particles are present in the blood of most adults. More human studies will be needed to confirm the link between Parkinson’s disease and nanoplastic accumulation in the brain.
Previous scientists I learnedthat pets slow memory loss in older people.