Brain health
In the past twenty years the number of people living with dementia in the UK has risen to more than 900,000.
Many consider it to be the greatest health challenge of our time, and environmental exposures to everyday chemicals are a factor in the rising rates.
Alzheimers's and microbiome
Gut health is a growing concern as links are identified between environmental exposures and the development of Alzheimer’s. Evidence suggests that inflammation of cells in the microbiome could be a factor in the development of the disease.
The microbiome (gut) is a highly sensitive organ which might be disrupted by environmental exposures. For example, exposure to glyphosate, the world’s most widely used chemical herbicide, could have a pathological effect on gut health.
The communication system between the brain and the gut, known as the ‘Gut-brain’ axis could explain changes in the gut caused by endocrine disruptors, and connections between by neurotransmitters in the brain. For example, gut microbes might affect how the brain works, explaining a possible Alzheimer’s link.
Air pollution dementia risk
Air pollution is measured by the of levels of microscopic particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2ugm (PM2.5). It enters the bloodstream and reaches vital organs inside the body where it can inflame and constrict the movement of blood in fine blood vessels, which increases blood pressure.
Particulate matter can cause headaches and anxiety, strokes, and neurological disorders including dementia. Air pollution has been identified as a possible cause of Alzheimer’s.
We can test your recent exposure to chemicals with possible links to higher brain disease risk