Parkinsons Test

Parkinson’s protein test, which determines how sticky a protein molecule is, can be used to diagnose and treat the condition in early stages.

18:29 30 August 2016

A recent study published in the journal Annals of Clinical and Translation Neurology showed that a Parkinson test has proved to be very accurate when carried out on a small number of samples. It works by testing sticky clumps of molecules that are found in the brain cells of people with Parkinson’s.

 

The study looked into samples of spinal fluid taken from 38 patients to look for a protein molecule called alpha-synuclein using a highly sensitive technique. The molecule is found in healthy brains but causes problems when the protein sticks together creating a lump. This causes the brain cells to die or keep them from performing properly. The sticky lumps, which are called Lewy bodies, are found in the brains of Parkinson’s patients and some dementia patients.

 

In the test, the researchers correctly identified 19 out of 20 samples from patients with Parkinson’s and three samples from people who were thought to be at risk of the condition. A Parkinson’s disease charity said that the results were “hugely promising” but larger studies are needed.

 

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

 

She added that Parkinson's patients "could then be given the opportunity to take part in trials of new medicines that may slow, or stop, the progression of the disease,"