What is This Brain Ailment That is Affecting Hundreds in Canada?

A rising number of individuals in the Canadian province of New Brunswick are experiencing a puzzling and potentially fatal brain ailment. Since 2015, a small group of patients has displayed neurological symptoms such as hallucinations, muscle deterioration, vision impairments, memory loss, and abnormal movements. Over time, the cluster of cases has expanded to 48.

However, health experts and locals claim that the actual number of affected individuals might surpass 200. Notably, a significant proportion of those affected are young individuals who typically do not exhibit symptoms of dementia or other neurological conditions.
Growing Number of Cases of Mysterious Brain Illness in New Brunswick Raises Concern In a letter dated January 30, 2023, addressed to the chief medical officer of New Brunswick and the chief federal public health officer, neurologist Dr. Alier Marrero expressed particular concern about the growing prevalence of early-onset and young-onset neurological syndrome.

Marrero's letter, as reported by the Toronto Star, stated that within the past year, 147 cases had been monitored, ranging from 17 to 80 years of age. Among these cases, 57 were classified as early-onset and 41 as young-onset.

The mysterious illness had resulted in nine deaths. However, a government investigation that was examining environmental toxins as a potential cause unexpectedly halted in 2021.

The final report from Public Health New Brunswick, released in February 2022, stated that there was no evidence of an unknown neurological syndrome cluster. The report authors argued that the symptoms displayed by affected individuals varied significantly, and there was no indication of a shared common illness or an unknown syndrome. Consequently, the investigation was concluded.

Is Glyphosate Behind this Mysterious Neurological Illness?

Despite the investigation's closure, Marrero and patient advocates remain determined and suspect a connection between the disorder and the use of pesticides in the predominantly rural province.

Attention has been directed toward glyphosate, an herbicide widely utilized in agriculture, the forestry industry, and household weedkillers. The Guardian reported that laboratory tests on patients revealed clear signs of exposure to glyphosate and other herbicide-associated compounds, as highlighted in Marrero's letter. Furthermore, the presence of glyphosate might be linked to the occurrence of blue-green algae blooms in water bodies (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Toxic Effects of Glyphosate on the Nervous System: A Systematic Review

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Patient advocates assert that the actual number of cases is likely over 200, with some patients testing positive for multiple environmental toxins, including glyphosate, at levels significantly exceeding the average limit. The Toronto Star noted concerns among patient advocates that external influences, such as pressure from industry or other groups, may have influenced the decision to close the case prematurely.

Nonetheless, a dedicated group of affected individuals and their families in New Brunswick are urging federal and provincial governments to initiate a thorough investigation into the disorder. They demand that Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos empower Canadian scientists, instruct the Public Health Agency of Canada to uphold the Canada Health Act and reinstate federal experts into the ongoing investigation.

Reference:

1. Toxic Effects of Glyphosate on the Nervous System: A Systematic Review - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9101768/)

Source-Medindia