Alzheimer's plaques found in the brain of dolphins suggest a risk of toxin

In a new study, researchers have revealed the discovery of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain of stranded dolphins, the same plaques badociated with Alzheimer's disease in humans. The discovery is based on existing evidence of an badociation between toxic cyanobacterial blooms and Alzheimer's risk, although the evidence is not yet sufficient to determine if this toxin puts humans at risk.

Previous research has identified a link between dietary exposure to BMAA, a cyanobacterial toxin, and the development of neurofibrillary tangles and beta-amyloid plaques. This link has, however, only been found in laboratory animals, such as mice. This new study highlights a similar finding in wild dolphins stranded in the Gulf and Mbadachusetts.

Coastal waters around areas such as Florida have suffered from an increasing number of cyanobacterial blooms in recent years; they result from warming waters and often last longer than past blooms. This blooming increase increases the exposure of marine life to the toxins produced by cyanobacteria, thus putting their health at risk.

The discovery of the aforementioned BMAA cyanobacterial toxin in the brains of these dead dolphins, who also had beta-amyloid plaques badociated with Alzheimer's disease in humans, is of paramount importance. It is unclear if the dolphins experienced cognitive changes that led them to find themselves stranded on these beaches.

A big question remains unresolved at the moment: Does exposure to cyanobacterial toxins increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in humans? Although science can not yet say with certainty, this growing body of evidence suggests that humans must take preventative measures with respect to exposure until more information is available.