Research says dolphins and whales may have Alzheimer’s

According to a study published in the scientific journal European Journal of Neuroscience, dolphins stranding and whales related Alzheimer’s. The new research was carried out in a collaboration between scientists from the University of Glasgow, the University of St Andrews and the University of Edinburgh in partnership with the research institution Moredun Research Institute.

Researchers examined the brains of 22 odontocetins, including dolphins, whales and porpoises, who died after being stranded in coastal waters off Scotland. Thus, they found that the brains of three different dolphin species had Alzheimer’s-related signs commonly identified in humans.

The research supports the “sick leader” theory by pointing out that some odontoset species may respond to grounding causes. The hypothesis describes a group of healthy animals that go to shallow water that is dangerous to medium and large marine animals, following a confused leader.

Dolphins with Alzheimer’s?

Researchers have found beta-amyloid plaques in the brains of all older animals, considered one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s in humans. Three samples from different species showed other pathologies related to dementia, confirming that these animals developed a disease-like neuropathy.

“Although at this stage it is tempting to think that the presence of these brain lesions in odontosets indicates that they may also suffer from cognitive deficits associated with human Alzheimer’s disease, more research is needed to better understand what is going on in animals,” he said. The study’s principal investigator, Dr. Mark Dagleish.