Study links glyphosate with neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer’s

New research from Arizona State University (ASU) has found that even brief exposure to the popular weed killer glyphosate can trigger long-lasting damage to the brain.

Researcher Ramon Velazquez found significant neuroinflammation, Alzheimer’s-like symptoms, anxiety-like behaviors, and premature death from glyphosate exposure in mice. “Given the increasing incidence of cognitive decline in the aging population, particularly in rural communities where exposure to glyphosate is more common due to large-scale farming, there is an urgent need for more basic research on the effects of this herbicide,” he said.

Even at lower doses similar to the current acceptable dose in humans, the harmful effects were found long after the six-month post-exposure recovery period. Velazquez works with the ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center at the ASU Biodesign Institute.

The Centers for Disease Research notes that farmworkers, landscape laborers, and other agriculture employees are likely exposed through inhalation or skin contact; ingestion of foods containing glyphosate residues from spraying is potentially a health hazard as well.

Earlier ASU research found that glyphosate could cross the brain-blood barrier, a protective network preventing harmful substances from entering the brain.

“These findings highlight that many chemicals we regularly encounter, previously considered safe, may pose potential health risks,” said study co-author Patrick Pirrotte, associate professor with the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen). “However, further research is needed to fully assess the public health impact and identify safer alternatives,” he said.

Source: ASU News

To view source article, visit: https://news.asu.edu/20241204-science-and-technology-study-reveals-lasting-effects-common-weed-killer-brain-health

Organic & Non-GMO Insights February 2025