Dolphin Alzheimer’s: Brains of Stranded Animals Reveal Disease
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* Alzheimer’s-like symptoms in dolphins: A new study found that stranded dolphins in Florida showed brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease in humans, including altered gene expression and clumped proteins.
* Link to climate change: Researchers connect these neurodegenerative signs to climate change, specifically through increased toxic algal and bacterial blooms in warmer waters.
* Neurotoxin concentration: Dolphins stranded during algal bloom seasons had significantly higher levels (2,900 times more) of the neurotoxin 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (2,4-DAB) in their brains compared to those stranded outside of bloom seasons.
* Impact on navigation: The neurotoxin exposure is believed to contribute to the loss of navigational skills and memory, possibly explaining why these dolphins become stranded.
* Cyanobacteria as a source: the harmful blooms are caused by cyanobacteria.
* Dolphins as “environmental sentinels”: Experts suggest that because dolphins are sensitive to toxins in the marine surroundings, their health can serve as a warning sign for potential human health risks related to these blooms.
* Normal aging in dolphins: It’s noted that dolphins naturally develop brain changes similar to Alzheimer’s as they age.
* known neurotoxicity: Toxins from cyanobacteria are already known to be harmful to neurons in animals and people.
In essence, the study suggests a concerning link between climate change-fueled algal blooms, neurotoxin exposure, and the development of Alzheimer’s-like symptoms in dolphins, potentially leading to their stranding.