Uncovering Alzheimer's Disease Signs in Dolphins: A New Frontier
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Chapter 1: Understanding Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is a crippling disorder that impacts more than 28 million individuals globally, as reported by the World Health Organization. The prevailing theory is that the condition arises from an abnormal accumulation of amyloid proteins within and around brain cells, leading to disruptions in cellular function and resulting in difficulties with memory, learning, and communication.
Surprisingly, these amyloid proteins have also been identified in the brains of marine mammals such as dolphins, whales, and seals. Dr. Mark Dagleish, a senior clinician specializing in Anatomic Pathology at the University of Glasgow, along with his research team, sought to determine whether these marine creatures experience neural alterations akin to those seen in humans with Alzheimer's disease.
The findings, published in the European Journal of Neuroscience, revealed that out of 22 examined dolphins, three exhibited amyloid plaque pathology in their brains, which can severely compromise cognitive abilities. The researchers analyzed samples from specific brain areas of various species of oceanic dolphins that had washed ashore in Scotland.
Dr. Dagleish remarked to The Guardian, "These findings are significant as they demonstrate, for the first time, that the brain pathology observed in stranded odontocetes is comparable to that of humans suffering from clinical Alzheimer's disease."
While it was previously thought that only humans could develop Alzheimer's spontaneously, this study raises alarm about the susceptibility of marine mammals to this debilitating illness. It's disheartening to realize that even cherished marine species are not spared from the consequences of Alzheimer's.
Section 1.1: The Mystery of Alzheimer's Disease
Despite decades of research, the underlying causes of Alzheimer's disease remain elusive. It is widely accepted that a mix of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors contribute to its onset in humans.
For dolphins, one hypothesis suggests that their prolonged lifespan after reproductive years—unlike many other animals—may play a role in the development of Alzheimer's-like symptoms, as reported by The Guardian.
Another theory, stemming from a 2020 study, posits that deep-diving whales might be more susceptible to Alzheimer's-like conditions due to the low oxygen levels they experience in the depths of the ocean.
"We were intrigued to observe brain changes in older dolphins that resemble those seen in human aging and Alzheimer's disease," stated Prof. Tara Spires-Jones, a member of the research team at the University of Edinburgh. She emphasized that exploring the connection between these pathological changes and dolphin strandings is a critical area for future research.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Path Forward
Section 1.2: Breakthroughs in Alzheimer's Research
Recent advancements in the understanding of Alzheimer's came at the end of 2022, when a drug named Lecanemab was shown to slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients for the first time. While the improvement is modest, researchers believe this could mark a significant turning point in Alzheimer's research, offering hope to millions worldwide.
Developed by Professor Sir John Hardy at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, the drug targets beta-amyloid, the plaque that accumulates in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. Amyloid disrupts normal brain processes by making cells overly active and signaling ongoing inflammation, which can further affect blood flow and involve other brain proteins.
In individuals with genetic forms of Alzheimer's, this process begins early due to an overproduction of amyloid precursor protein (APP). However, in non-genetic cases, the progression occurs more slowly.
"A drug like Lecanemab being available on the NHS would be a tremendous victory, but we face challenges in ensuring that medications reach the right patients at the appropriate time—we need significant changes in our healthcare infrastructure to prepare for this," Professor Hardy explained.
Chapter 2: A New Perspective on Alzheimer's in Marine Mammals
Now equipped with a deeper understanding of Alzheimer's pathology in both humans and marine mammals, researchers are advancing toward the potential development of effective treatments for this devastating disease.
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