A Medical Mystery in New Brunswick?

A whistle-blower, in the Canadian province of New Brunswick, has warned of a progressive neurological illness that has now baffled experts for more than 2 years (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jan/02/neurological-illness-affecting-young-adults-canada). An official cluster of 48 individuals was identified in the spring of 2021. Multiple sources now say, however, there may be as many as 150 people involved. The present Covid19 pandemic has predictably resulted in a backlog of evaluations. The neurological illness causes swift cognitive decline in some of the afflicted (Alzheimer-like symptoms). Worryingly, it seems to be affecting a growing number of young people. There are also at least 9 cases where 2 people, in close contact but not genetically related (e.g. partners or patient and carer), have both developed symptoms. This suggests that an environmental factor is involved. It's early days, but suspicion has fallen on neurotoxins, including beta-Methylamine-L-alanine (BMAA). BMAA is found in high concentrations in lobster flesh. Lobster fishing is an industry that drives the economies of many of New Brunswick's coastal communities. Rather obviously, there is a lot of concern about the cluster and its likely genesis. Some people think that the current official information flow, is creating fertile conditions for conspiracy 'theories' (pedant's corner would call them 'hypotheses').