مقالات پذیرفته شده در نهمین کنگره بین المللی زیست پزشکی
Systematic Review on the Impact of Microplastics on Cognitive and Physical Health in Elderly Populations
Systematic Review on the Impact of Microplastics on Cognitive and Physical Health in Elderly Populations
mehrangiz ghabimi,1,*
1. Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
Introduction: Environmental contamination with microplastics has emerged as a pervasive and concerning health hazard globally. The elderly population is particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of microplastics, which may exacerbate cognitive decline and physical frailty.
Methods: The search strategy for this systematic review involved comprehensive database searches in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to 2025. Keywords such as “microplastics,” “elderly,” “cognitive impairment,” “physical health,” and “toxicity” were used with Boolean operators to refine results. Screening followed PRISMA guidelines, including title, abstract, and full-text reviews to select eligible studies. Grey literature and reference lists were also examined to ensure thoroughness. A total of 25 studies meeting inclusion criteria were quality assessed and included for analysis. Advanced detection methods like FTIR and Raman spectroscopy were discussed in relation to identifying microplastics in biological samples. This meticulous approach ensured capturing relevant evidence on microplastic impacts on elderly health..
Results: Studies indicate microplastics can induce oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and metabolic disruption, contributing to worsened cognitive performance and physical health in the elderly. Evidence from in vitro and animal models supports these mechanisms, though human data is limited. Microplastics may also alter gut microbiota, a factor linked to systemic inflammation and neurological health.
Conclusion: Microplastics have emerged as significant environmental pollutants with growing evidence indicating their adverse effects on human health, especially in the elderly. Studies demonstrate that microplastics can accumulate in various tissues, including the brain, potentially contributing to neuroinflammation, cognitive decline, and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Additionally, microplastics induce oxidative stress, disrupt hormonal functions, and promote chronic inflammation, exacerbating physical health issues common in aging populations. The elderly’s vulnerability is heightened due to cumulative exposure and preexisting health conditions. Despite challenges in quantifying human exposure, ongoing research underscores the urgent need for preventive measures to reduce environmental microplastic pollution. Addressing these exposures is critical for protecting elderly health and mitigating long-term adverse outcomes.