Marine microplastics may play role in cognitive decline

Environmental microplastic levels could be linked to neurologic disability.

In a study presented at the American Academy of Neurology 2025 Annual Meeting, investigators assessed population-level data from 218 coastal counties in the United States regarding marine microplastic levels and neurologic disability.

Compared with counties reporting lower marine microplastics levels, the investigators found that the counties with higher levels of marine microplastics had a greater prevalence of cognitive, mobility, self-care and independent living disabilities.

Further studies are needed to determine the causal mechanisms behind the higher rates of neurologic disability in counties with greater marine microplastic exposure.

Read more: AAN 2025 Annual Meeting

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