Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, are a group of manmade chemicals widely used for their ability to resist heat, water, and oil. These “forever chemicals” have become nearly ubiquitous in the environment and human bodies due to their persistence and widespread use in products like non-stick cookware, water-repellent fabrics, food packaging, and firefighting foams. Over time, concerns have grown about their potential health impacts, including a troubling connection to brain health issues such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
PFAS chemicals accumulate in the body because they do not break down easily. This persistence means that even low-level exposure over many years can lead to significant internal buildup. Research has shown that PFAS can disrupt normal cellular functions, particularly in organs like the liver, which plays a crucial role in detoxifying the body. In laboratory studies using human liver cells, different types of PFAS were found to cause fat accumulation and cellular damage, which are linked to liver disease and cancer. These chemicals also interfere with immune system processes and cell-to-cell communication, suggesting they can cause widespread biological disruption beyond just the liver.
When it comes to the brain, the concern is that PFAS may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases by promoting inflammation and damaging brain cells. Although the exact mechanisms are still being studied, scientists have found that exposure to environmental toxins, including PFAS, can provoke inflammatory responses in brain tissue. Chronic inflammation is a known factor in the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, as it can accelerate the breakdown of neurons and impair cognitive function.
Moreover, PFAS are highly acidic and water-soluble, which allows them to spread easily through water sources and enter the human body through drinking water and food. This widespread contamination means that many people are exposed to these chemicals daily, often without knowing it. The ability of PFAS to persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in humans raises the risk that long-term exposure could contribute to the development of brain disorders.
Adding to the complexity, studies have shown that early-life exposure to PFAS and other plastic-related chemicals can have lasting health effects that extend into adulthood. This includes increased risks for chronic diseases that may indirectly affect brain health, such as heart disease and obesity, both of which are known to influence cognitive decline and dementia risk.
While direct, definitive proof linking PFAS to Alzheimer’s and dementia in humans is still emerging, the evidence from cellular studies, animal models, and epidemiological data points to a concerning association. PFAS may exacerbate or accelerate neurodegenerative processes by disrupting immune function, promoting inflammation, and interfering with normal cellular communication in the brain.
In addition to PFAS, other environmental pollutants like fine particulate air pollution and microplastics have also been implicated in increasing dementia risk. These pollutants can cause brain inflammation and damage similar to what is suspected with PFAS exposure, suggesting that a combination of environmental toxins may be fueling the rise in neurodegenerative diseases nationwide.
Given the persistence of PFAS in the environment and their ability to accumulate in the human body, reducing exposure is critical. This involves addressing contamination in drinking water, limiting the use of PFAS-containing products, and increasing public awareness about these chemicals. Ongoing research is essential to fully understand how PFAS contribute to Alzheimer’s and dementia and to develop strategies to mitigate their impact on brain health.
The growing body of evidence underscores the urgent need to consider environmental factors like PFAS in the broader conversation about dementia prevention and public health. As scientists continue to unravel the complex ways these chemicals affect the brain, it becomes increasingly clear that tackling PFAS pollution is a vital step toward protecting cognitive health nationwide.
