In a new paper published in The Lancet Neurology, researchers describe a new biomarker test. Parkinson’s diagnosis, even before the first motor symptoms. In some cases, the test is about 90% accurate.
The development of new tests for the early detection of neurological diseases has gained new allies over the years.
In more complex cases, such as Parkinson’s, the diagnosis can be made only after the patient exhibits characteristic symptoms such as tremors, instability, and involuntary movements.
There is no cure for the disease, but there are treatments that slow down the degenerative process, prolong life and preserve quality of life when diagnosed early.
Therefore, the race of researchers has been to develop methods that can make the diagnosis as quickly as possible.
What is the new test?
The new test was developed in a study of 1123 participants.
Guests were divided into categories ranging from full presentation of symptoms to those still not showing the motor signs of the disease.
There was also a disease-free group that served as a control for the study.
The scientists who performed the collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) used the seeding method and called it the SAA (alpha-synuclein seed amplification test).
By looking at Alpha-synuclein protein levels in CSF, they were able to trace a good relationship between the amount of protein present and the potential to develop Parkinson’s.
In cases where the disease did not show clinical signs yet, the test was able to detect it with 88% accuracy. There was a lower success rate when patients already had motor symptoms.
Currently, the diagnosis is clinical and is carried out with the help of image analysis.
But as a progressive neurodegenerative disease, it takes time for the first symptoms to appear, whether on exams or physical symptoms.
The test therefore has the potential to be a differential tool for diagnosing Parkinson’s, increasing the chances of cure and therefore prolonging the life of these patients.
Researchers will continue to develop the test, and still aim to answer some questions such as: Why was SAA more effective in people without symptoms than in patients with established symptoms?
Source: Tec Mundo
I’m Blaine Morgan, an experienced journalist and writer with over 8 years of experience in the tech industry. My expertise lies in writing about technology news and trends, covering everything from cutting-edge gadgets to emerging software developments. I’ve written for several leading publications including Gadget Onus where I am an author.
