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Dr. Matthew Campen, PhD from the University of New Mexico presented
recent research on the bioaccumulation of microplastics in human brains.
His work, published in Nature Medicine, revealed that microplastics are
present in various human tissues, with notably higher concentrations
found in the brains of individuals with documented dementia. Campen’s
team developed new methods using pyrolysis gas chromatography mass
spectrometry to detect and quantify micro- and nanoplastics, overcoming
previous technological limitations. Their findings show increasing
levels of plastics in liver, kidney, and especially brain samples over
time, with dementia cases exhibiting five to eight times higher
concentrations. While the study establishes an association between
microplastics and dementia, it does not prove causality—reduced
blood-brain barrier integrity in dementia may contribute to increased
plastic uptake. Controlled mouse studies demonstrated that orally
administered microplastics can reach the liver, kidney, and brain, with
preliminary data suggesting genetic factors may influence
susceptibility. Campen emphasized the need for further research,
multidisciplinary collaboration, and improved detection methods,
including cerebrospinal fluid analysis, to better understand the health
impacts and environmental presence of nano- and microplastics. The
research remains preliminary, with many questions about exposure,
accumulation, and long-term effects. Health Watch USAsm Oct.
15, 2025. (AI Assisted Summary) View YouTube Presentation:
https://youtu.be/3dJQpEFA7bc
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