Researchers have found that dolphins will be thrown ashore following a leader who has Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists have found out the nature of mass suicidal behavior of dolphins and other representatives of the order of toothed whales, which are thrown on the shore and die. The study was carried out by specialists from Glasgow University.
After studying the brains of 20 individuals of five different species of dolphins who died after being beached, they found an accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques, deposits of tau protein and gliosis in four of them. They indicate central nervous system damage and Alzheimer's disease.
Previously, an international team of specialists also found amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in dead dolphins. At that time, scientists proved that a group of marine mammals could be thrown ashore following a sick leader suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists have now stated that this behavior may also be observed in other members of the order of toothed whales.