Alzheimer’s in dolphins? This Florida university study points to toxic algae
Toxic algae blooms may be to blame for a brain disease found in dolphins that researchers are saying is similar to Alzheimer’s.
A recent study by the University of Miami published Wednesday shows the toxin BMAA and its degenerative damage to dolphins, which is likened to symptoms of diseases like Alzheimer’s, Lou Gehrig’s disease and Parkinson’s in humans.
The scientific findings come after 150 dead dolphins turned up in Florida waters following the red tide epidemic in 2018, according to the Miami Herald.
“Not to be too political, but it goes to show the health of marine animals and water quality,” said David Davis, lead author and a University of Miami Miller School of Medicine neuropathologist.
Researchers say the study could help scientists discover potential negative effects of toxic algae blooms on humans.
So which dolphins are most at risk? Coastal subpopulations of Bottlenose dolphins in the southeastern United States have an increased risk of cyanobacteria bloom exposure, the study reports.
Read more here.
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Laura Jazmin Tolliver is a digital reporter for GateHouse Media Group’s Florida team, based in West Palm Beach, Fla. Jaz’s stories, which run across digital, print and video platforms, are syndicated across the 22 Florida newspaper markets.