AAN: Marine Microplastic Levels Linked to Cognitive, Other Disabilities

MONDAY, March 3, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Marine microplastic levels (MMLs) are associated with cognitive, mobility, self-care, and independent living-associated disabilities, according to a study scheduled for presentation at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, to be held from April 5 to 9 in San Diego.

Brinda Desai, M.D., from Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington, Massachusetts, and colleagues examined the correlation between MMLs in ocean water and the prevalence of cognitive, mobility, self-care, and independent living-associated disabilities in 218 coastal counties in the United States.

The researchers found that in counties with very high versus low MMLs, the mean prevalence of cognitive, mobility, self-care, and independent living disability was significantly higher (15.2, 14.1, 4.2, and 8.5 percent, respectively, versus 13.9, 12.3, 3.6, and 7.7 percent, respectively). Counties with very high MMLs showed significantly higher adjusted prevalence rates of cognitive, mobility, self-care, and independent living disability compared with those with low MMLs, after adjustment for potential confounders (prevalence rates, 1.09, 1.06, 1.16, and 1.08, respectively).

“Our study found in coastal communities with higher levels of microplastics in the water, there were higher rates of disabilities that can affect a person”s life in many ways through thinking and memory, movement, and their ability to take care of themselves and live independently,” coauthor Sarju Ganatra, M.D., also from Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, said in a statement.

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