Blood Test Could Detect Parkinson's Years Before Symptoms Appear

A new blood test, developed using artificial intelligence, has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's disease. The test can identify individuals at risk of developing Parkinson's up to seven years before the onset of symptoms.

Researchers from University College London and University Medical Center Goettingen have developed a new blood test that has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's disease. The test uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze blood samples and identify biomarkers that are indicative of Parkinson's, even before symptoms appear.

The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, involved 72 patients with rapid eye movement behavior disorder (iRBD), a condition that has been linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease. When the researchers used machine learning to analyze blood samples from these patients, they discovered that 79% of them had the same biomarkers as people with Parkinson's.

Blood Test Could Detect Parkinson's Years Before Symptoms Appear

Over a 10-year follow-up period, the researchers confirmed that 16 of the patients went on to develop Parkinson's, a movement disorder that affects nearly one million people in the United States.

"By determining eight proteins in the blood, we can identify potential Parkinson's patients several years in advance," said Dr. Michael Bartl, co-first-author of the study from the University Medical Center Goettingen. "This means that drug therapies could potentially be given at an earlier stage, which could possibly slow down disease progression or even prevent it from occurring."

Blood Test Could Detect Parkinson's Years Before Symptoms Appear

The blood test provides a less invasive alternative to a lumbar puncture (also known as a spinal tap), which has been used more often to diagnose Parkinson's in clinical research.

"This research, co-funded by Parkinson's UK, represents a major step forward in the search for a definitive and patient friendly diagnostic test for Parkinson's," said Professor David Dexter, director of research at Parkinson's UK.

Blood Test Could Detect Parkinson's Years Before Symptoms Appear

The researchers plan to continue following the participants in the study to confirm the accuracy of the test. They will also analyze samples from others in the population who have a genetic mutation that puts them at a higher risk of developing Parkinson's.

"The findings add to an exciting flurry of recent activity toward finding a simple way to test for and measure Parkinson's," said Dexter. "With more work, it may be possible that this blood-based test could distinguish between Parkinson's and other conditions that have some early similarities, such as multiple systems atrophy or Lewy body dementia."

Blood Test Could Detect Parkinson's Years Before Symptoms Appear

Dr. Harvey Castro, a Dallas, Texas-based board-certified emergency medicine physician and national speaker on AI in health care, said the blood test could serve as a model for other diseases.

"As an ER physician deeply involved in AI applications in health care, I find this development particularly promising," said Castro. "It exemplifies the potential of AI to diagnose and predict serious health conditions, allowing for earlier and potentially more effective interventions."

Blood Test Could Detect Parkinson's Years Before Symptoms Appear

This approach could serve as a model for other diseases, suggested Castro.

"Having a tool that provides more time before significant nerve cell damage occurs offers a substantial opportunity to address diseases at very early stages, where traditional diagnostic methods might not detect them," said the doctor. "This early intervention capability could significantly slow the disease progression."

Blood Test Could Detect Parkinson's Years Before Symptoms Appear

Although knowing about a disease in advance can help patients prepare mentally and emotionally, Castro warned that it could be a "double-edged sword."

"While some patients may benefit from early knowledge and the ability to plan their lives accordingly, others might prefer not to know about a potential future illness due to the psychological burden it could impose," he said.

Overall, Castro said, this AI-powered blood test represents a "paradigm shift" in the approach to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.

"It underscores the importance of integrating advanced technologies into medical practice to enhance patient outcomes and transform health care delivery," he said.

Fox News Digital reached out to the study researchers for additional comment.