12 Vet Info-H • May–Aug 2023 • Vol 11 • No. 3 Stranded Dolphins With Human Alzheimer’s Disease Markers Industry News Changes in Wolves’ Behavior Due To a MindControlling Parasite Toothed whales share several common traits with humans. With their ability to live beyond their reproductive years, like humans, they may be susceptible to late-onset diseases as well. In aging humans, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of disability. The disease gradually impairs memory, learning, and communication. A similar affliction may be found in water-dwelling mammals such as whales too. Researchers of one of the most extensive studies on dementia in odontocetes (toothed whales) found classic markers of human Alzheimer’s disease in the brains of 3 species of stranded dolphins. This discovery may help explain why some of the species get stranded. The findings of the study support the sick leader theory, which states, “An otherwise healthy group of animals find themselves in dangerously shallow waters after following a group leader who may have become confused or lost.” Whales, dolphins, and porpoises are often stranded around the coasts, in groups or pods. While some animals are moved to safer, deeper waters by teams of experts, others may perish. Sources: Stranded whale rescue: a miraculous achievement. Cision PR Newswire. May 6, 2022. https://www.prnewswire.com/. Accessed February 20, 2023. Meera Srinivasan. Sri Lanka rescues 120 stranded whales. The Hindu, Colombo. November 3, 2020. https://www.thehindu.com/news/. Accessed February 20, 2023. A study found that wolves infected with a behavioraltering parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, have higher odds of displaying two risky behaviors: they either become pack leaders or abandon their packs altogether. The analysis was conducted on more than 200 gray wolves in Yellowstone National Park, USA. The findings of this study add to a growing body of evidence that infection with T gondii, a single-celled parasite, can cause risky behavioral changes in the host. T gondii makes its host bold, and the infection generally correlates with decreased fear in animals and increased exploratory behavior, which increase the host’s survival. Physical and behavioral changes have also been found in humans infected with T gondii, as it causes an increase in testosterone and dopamine production, encouraging the infected person to take on more risks. Source: T Desmettre. J Fr Ophtalmol. 2020;43(3):e89–e93.
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