Frequent Plastic Usage Behavior and Lack of Microplastic Awareness Correlates with Cognitive Decline: A...

Microplastics (MPs) are widespread environmental pollutants with possible neurotoxic effects. Exploring links between plastic use, MP awareness, and cognition is key for assessing public health risks.

To examine correlations between plastic consumption, MP awareness and attitudes, and neurocognitive function among Greater Jakarta residents.

A cross-sectional survey of 562 adults used a validated e-questionnaire covering plastic usage, MP knowledge, attitudes, risk perception, and cognition via the Ascertain Dementia 8 (AD-8). Analyses included chi-square, t-tests, and logistic regression.

Suspected cognitive impairment (AD-8 ≥ 2) was observed in 44.5% of respondents. High single-use plastic consumption correlated with worse cognition (p = 0.032), while reusable plastic use showed no association (p = 0.605). Awareness of MPs was relatively low, with 19.4% of respondents having never heard of them. Awareness and knowledge also varied significantly by age (p = 0.007), gender (p = 0.004), and education level (p = 0.027). Positive attitudes and higher risk perception aligned with greater awareness (p < 0.001) but not cognitive scores. Risk perception influenced bottled water use (p = 0.009), with low-risk groups consuming more.

Frequent single-use plastic consumption is linked to poorer cognition, while MP awareness and risk perception do not directly affect cognitive outcomes. Educational strategies may enhance awareness and reduce exposure.