Dozens in their town developed a mysterious brain disease. No one knows why.

The scientific puzzle has now become a political maelstrom.

View in browser|nytimes.com August 19, 2024 Doctors identified a cluster of patients in the Canadian province of New Brunswick with similar brain diseases. Laurie Beatty is one of many local residents who have exhibited comparable, inexplicable symptoms of neurological decline. Brendan George Ko for The New York Times In the absence of answers, a political maelstrom has ensued. → Sign up for The New York Times Magazine newsletter. Get the best of each issue with cover stories, long reads and columns like Talk, Diagnosis and Eat. Get it in your inbox Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this message because you signed up for updates from The New York Times. To stop receiving From The Times, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018