Scientists have introduced a troubling new theory that could explain the increasing prevalence of Parkinson’s disease, suggesting that nearly everyone might be at a heightened risk.
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder that slowly strips away a patient’s ability to control their movements, leading to tremors, stiffness, and severe disability.
Traditionally associated with genetic factors and environmental influences, researchers in China now propose that microplastics might also contribute to the condition.
In an analysis of over 100 studies, these researchers suggest that tiny plastic particles, which enter our bodies daily through food and water, could build up in the brain.
They caution that once in the brain, these plastic fragments might trigger the formation of toxic protein clumps associated with Parkinson’s.
The researchers noted in their review, “With the intensification of global plastic pollution, the potential threats posed by micro- and nanoplastics to human health have become a major concern.”
‘[Microplastics] enter the organism through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, subsequently accumulating in multiple organs – particularly the brain.’
The warning comes as Parkinson’s cases have more than doubled globally in the last 25 years, with an estimated 8.9 million people now living with the disease.
Michael J Fox (pictured above at the 32nd Annual Actor Awards earlier this month) was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991, revealing his diagnosis in 1998. In 2000, he founded the Michael J Fox Foundation to help fund Parkinson’s research
In the US, about 1.1 million people are estimated to have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a number that is set to double by 2040.
At the same time, plastic levels in the environment have surged.
Plastic debris first appeared in significant amounts in the 1960s, and is now virtually ubiquitous in the US environment.
Today, researchers estimate that the average American consumes about five grams of microplastics every week, the equivalent of a spoon full, 21 grams every month, the same as the weight of five casino die, and 125 grams every six months, or enough to fill a standard bowl of cornflakes.
Studies have already linked exposure to these plastics to numerous harmful effects, including infertility, cancer and developmental delays, which experts say is because they can damage cells or interfere with hormones.
Microplastics in the environment come from the degradation of larger plastic items that takes place during use or in the environment.
In their study, the scientists — led by Gannan Medical University in southern China — noted that a microplastic is a plastic fragment smaller than five millimeters, while a nanoplastic is smaller than a thousandth of a millimeter.
In the brain, they said they could cause toxic alpha-synuclein protein clumps to form, which are typically found in Parkinson’s patients.
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The above graph shows the increase in Parkinson’s cases and deaths in the US
The scientists based their observations on lab and animal studies (stock image)
In their review, the team cited evidence that the plastic particles could also cause neuroinflammation, disrupt cell communication and carry metals into the brain, which they said may also raise the risk of the disease.
Published in the Nature journal npj Parkinson’s Disease, researchers analyzed more than 100 studies based on animal testing or lab experiments
The scientists noted that they had only detected an association and said more research was needed to back up their claim.
Parkinson’s disease is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain, triggering irregular brain activity and the symptoms linked to the disease.
It is not clear why this happens, but previous research suggests these cells may be eliminated by the immune system misfiring. This could be caused by genetics and exposure to certain toxins, pesticides and even well water.
People at the highest risk of Parkinson’s are individuals aged over 60 years old and men, who are 50 percent more likely to develop the condition than women.
A study published earlier this month suggested people who get their drinking water from newer groundwater sources could be at greater risk of the disease because it contained more contaminants.
And a separate paper from January warned that people who play golf may be at higher risk from the disease because of exposure to pesticides used on golf courses.
There are no treatments available to cure the disease, although doctors do have drugs available that can slow the condition’s progression.
