New test could help early detection of Parkinson's disease

A team of researchers has demonstrated in trials that a new test can detect Parkinson's disease in the early stages of the illness, according to a study published Monday by the University of Edinburgh.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive brain condition caused by the loss of nerve cells. The causes of the condition are still not known.

The new test targets a protein molecule called alpha-synuclein, which forms Lewy bodies, sticky clumps usually found inside the brain cells of people with Parkinson's and some types of dementia, said the team led by the University of Edinburgh.

With this test, researchers can identify tiny differences in the properties of proteins in the brain, which may tell them whether the individual has the disease or not.

Early trials have seen researchers accurately identify 19 out of 20 samples from patients with Parkinson's disease, and three samples from people deemed at risk of the condition, according to the study.

"We hope that with further refinement, our approach will help to improve diagnosis for Parkinson's patients," said one of the study authors Dr Alison Green from the University of Edinburgh.

The test still needs to be validated with a larger sample group but the team say they are optimistic that it could one day help to improve diagnosis of the disease. Endit