New Study Reveals Lasting Effects of Glyphosate on Brain Health
A new study led by researchers from TGen, part of City of Hope and Arizona State University, has identified an association between glyphosate exposure and symptoms of neuroinflammation, as well as accelerated Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology. This study tracks both the presence and impact of glyphosate’s by-products in the brain long after exposure ends, showing an array of persistent, damaging effects on brain health.
The study published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation shows that pre-clinical models exposed to the herbicide develop brain pathologies associated with neurodegenerative disease. The findings suggest the brain may be much more susceptible to the damaging effects of the herbicide than previously thought.
“Herbicides are used heavily and ubiquitously around the world,” said a senior author of the paper Patrick Pirrotte, Ph.D., associate professor in TGen’s Early Detection and Prevention Division. “These findings highlight that many chemicals we regularly encounter, previously considered safe, may pose potential health risks. However, further research is needed to fully assess the public health impact and identify safer alternatives.”
The glyphosate exposure also resulted in premature death and anxiety-like behaviours. The scientists discovered that these symptoms persisted even after they discontinued exposure for a 6-month recovery period. The study also revealed an accumulation of aminomethylphosphonic acid —a byproduct of glyphosate — in brain tissue, raising serious concerns about the chemical’s safety for human populations.