Marine Microplastic Levels Associated with Cognitive and Other Disabilities
Emerging Research Links Marine Microplastics to Increased Disabilities in Coastal Populations
SAN DIEGO, March 3, 2025 — A groundbreaking study presented at the forthcoming annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology has established a significant correlation between marine microplastic levels (MMLs) in ocean waters and the prevalence of various cognitive and physical disabilities in coastal communities across the United States. The conference is scheduled to take place from April 5 to 9, 2025, in San Diego, where experts will congregate to discuss the latest advancements in neurology.
Lead researcher Dr. Brinda Desai of Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington, Massachusetts, along with her team, meticulously analyzed data from 218 coastal counties. Their investigation aimed to uncover the impact of marine microplastics on community health, specifically examining how elevated levels of these pollutants correlate with issues related to cognitive abilities, mobility, self-care, and independent living.
The findings revealed a marked disparity between counties characterized by very high MMLs and those with low microplastic levels. In counties exhibiting significant microplastic contamination, the average prevalence rates for cognitive disabilities stood at 15.2%, mobility impairments at 14.1%, issues with self-care at 4.2%, and challenges to independent living at 8.5%. In stark contrast, counties with minimal microplastic exposure reported prevalence rates of 13.9%, 12.3%, 3.6%, and 7.7%, respectively.
Moreover, the study adjusted for various potential confounding factors to confirm that these associations were robust. The adjusted prevalence rates further emphasized the alarming trend, with significant increases of 1.09 for cognitive issues, 1.06 for mobility challenges, and 1.16 for self-care and independent living disabilities in populations exposed to high levels of marine microplastics.
Dr. Sarju Ganatra, a coauthor of the study and fellow researcher from Lahey Hospital, noted, “Our findings suggest that communities facing higher concentrations of microplastics in their water are experiencing increased rates of disabilities that can profoundly affect individuals’ quality of life, impacting their cognitive function, mobility, and essential daily activities.”
As the global discourse on environmental health and individual welfare continues to grow, this study adds an essential perspective, drawing attention to the adverse effects of pollution. The implications for public health, particularly in coastal regions, underscore the need for continued research into the long-term consequences of marine microplastic exposure.
For more details, attendees of the annual meeting can access additional information regarding the event and the research findings through the official American Academy of Neurology website and press releases.
