Microplastics Found Deep in Human Brains, More Common in Dementia Patients

A study of 52 donated brains found microplastics, including polyethylene, in all samples, with higher concentrations in newer specimens and three to five times more particles in some dementia patients, indicating the plastics can cross the blood–brain barrier and accumulate in deep brain regions. While the findings raise concerns about potential brain effects, researchers say causality isn’t established and more work is needed to understand exposure and health implications.