Dolphins discovered with signs of Alzheimer's disease in their brains

Stranded dolphins have been discovered with brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease in humans. Researchers from the University of Glasgow studied the brains of 22 odontocetes - toothed whales - thathad died in coastal waters off Scotland. One bottlenose dolphin, one white-beaked dolphin and two long-finned pilot whales had accumulated amyloid-beta plaques, which is a hallmark of dementia. The researchers say these ill creatures could have led their otherwise healthy group, or pod, into shallow waters by mistake after getting confused or lost. Whales, dolphins and porpoises are regularly found stranded in shallow waters or beaches around the UK coastline, and often in pods.