Foreign Contaminants Target Brain Health

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Environmental Health
• Toxicology

Background:

• Neurodegenerative diseases and mental health conditions are often linked to exposure to undesired substances, termed contaminants.
• These contaminants, whether conceptual or physical, can disrupt brain functionality, leading to conditions like dementia, anxiety, and depression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the intricate link between environmental pollutants and the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
• To examine the transmission pathways, categorization, and challenges associated with minimizing contamination risks to brain health.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Scopus, focusing on studies published up to 2024.
• Studies were selected based on their examination of the relationship between environmental contaminants and brain health, emphasizing transmission routes and neurological outcomes.

Main Results:

• Environmental contaminants can breach the blood-brain barrier (BBB) through nasal, gut, and auditory pathways.
• Contaminant exposure can trigger detrimental neurophysiological processes, contributing to a wide spectrum of neurodiseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and autism spectrum disorder.

Conclusions:

• There is an urgent need for increased global awareness and policy interventions to mitigate the adverse impacts of environmental contaminants on brain health.
• Preventive measures are essential, particularly in emerging nations, to address the long-term consequences of neurotoxicity.