Terrifying warning for Humans as Dolphins Wash Up on Beaches with Brains Showing signs of Alzheimer’s
new research is raising alarming concerns about the potential link between cyanobacterial toxins and neurodegenerative diseases, with dolphins exhibiting brain abnormalities mirroring those seen in Alzheimer’s disease. The findings serve as a potential warning for human health, particularly for populations consuming foods containing these toxins.
Studies involving residents of Guam have previously indicated a correlation between regular consumption of cyanobacterial toxins and the development of brain abnormalities characteristic of Alzheimer’s. Now, investigations into dolphin deaths are strengthening this connection.
Researchers at the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute in Melbourne Beach, Florida, collaborating with the University of Miami and the Blue World Research Institute, analyzed the brains of 20 bottlenose dolphins that stranded on the shores of Florida’s Indian River Lagoon between 2010 and 2019. The analysis revealed that all the dolphins showed signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
Specifically, dolphins that washed ashore during periods of peak algae blooms had up to 2,900 times more of the toxin 2,4-DAB in their brains compared to those stranded at other times of the year. The brains displayed hallmark signs of Alzheimer’s,including sticky β-amyloid plaques,hyperphosphorylated tau proteins,and TDP-43 protein inclusions – a marker of more aggressive neurodegenerative forms. Furthermore, scientists identified changes in 536 genes that align with patterns associated with Alzheimer’s in humans.
The research builds on previous laboratory experiments demonstrating that prolonged exposure to the neurotoxin BMAA can induce cognitive decline and brain lesions similar to those observed in Alzheimer’s disease.
The situation is particularly concerning for dolphins, as they are top predators prone to bioaccumulation - the process where toxins concentrate as they move up the food chain. small fish and invertebrates ingest cyanobacterial toxins, and these compounds become increasingly concentrated in the bodies of animals higher up the food chain, reaching extremely high levels in dolphins.
The problem is being exacerbated by climate change and increased nutrient runoff. Warmer water temperatures and prolonged sunlight create ideal conditions for cyanobacteria to bloom more frequently and for longer durations. In Florida,water released from Lake Okeechobee into the St.Lucie river and Indian River lagoon has repeatedly carried high concentrations of cyanobacteria downstream, creating widespread toxic water areas. This makes long-term exposure to these toxins practically unavoidable for dolphins navigating these waters.
“Since dolphins are considered environmental sentinels for toxic exposures in marine environments, there are concerns about human health issues associated with cyanobacterial blooms,” stated researcher Davis. This suggests a potential risk to human populations exposed to similar toxins through contaminated food or water sources.
The team shared their findings in a press release.
