Simple blood test could help detect Parkinsons seven years before it strikes READ MORE: Scientists find weight loss jabs slow onslaught of Parkinson's By Xantha Leatham, Deputy Science Editor For The Daily Mail Published: 16:36, 18 June 2024 | Updated: 16:41, 18 June 2024 e-mail View comments A simple blood test could predict Parkinson's up to seven years before symptoms appear, marking a 'major step forward' in diagnosis. The disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged, leading to tremor, slowness of movement and memory problems. There is currently no cure, but experts believe earlier diagnosis would help in finding treatments that could slow or even stop the disease.
The new test uses artificial intelligence ( AI ) to predict the chances someone will develop Parkinson's, which is caused by the death of nerve cells in the part of the brain that controls movement. When these nerve cells die or become damaged, they lose the ability to create an important chemical called dopamine. The test works by looking for eight proteins in the blood which have been linked to the disease.
Tests on 72 people found it was able to detect the likelihood that someone would go on to develop Parkinson's with 100 per cent accuracy, and up to seven years before the onset of any symptoms Knowing the symptoms of Parkinson's can lead to earlier diagnoses and access to treatments that improve patients' quality of life People with Parkinson's are currently treated with.
