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According to researchers, a straightforward and non-invasive skin biopsy may aid in the early detection of Parkinson’s disease and other degenerative nerve conditions.
The examination searches for P-SYN, which is a modified protein linked to specific degenerative brain diseases.
93% of individuals with Parkinson’s disease exhibited a positive skin biopsy for P-SYN, in contrast to the control group.
The results, reported in the publication Jama, spark optimism for utilizing biopsies as a means for detecting Parkinson’s disease early on and expediting the process of developing medications.
There is currently no definitive diagnostic test available for Parkinson’s disease, which can result in a high number of misdiagnoses. This is often due to the similarity of symptoms with other conditions like dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy, and pure autonomic failure.
The test can identify other conditions linked to unusual alpha-synuclein protein, including dementia with Lewy bodies, characterized by cognitive impairments and reduced mobility; multiple system atrophy, a rare disease that causes gradual nerve cell damage; and pure autonomic failure, a less prevalent disorder with symptoms like syncope and a decrease in blood pressure when standing.
It is estimated that there are approximately 10 million individuals around the world with Parkinson’s disease, and 153,000 people in the UK are believed to have the condition.
Diagnosis of this condition can be challenging as there is currently no diagnostic test available. The symptoms, including tremors, mild cognitive impairment, and sleep disturbances, can vary from individual to individual and may be misinterpreted as symptoms of other diseases.
The team’s previous study has demonstrated that this method can differentiate between Parkinson’s and multiple system atrophy, providing potential for treating these diseases “that may seem similar in appearance, but have vastly different outcomes”.
In order to gain more knowledge, the scientists recruited 428 individuals, ranging from 40 to 99 years old, who had been clinically diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy, and pure autonomic failure.
Each individual underwent skin punch biopsies measuring 3mm in diameter at three different locations: the neck, knee, and ankle.
The researchers reported that individuals diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy, and pure autonomic failure all tested positive with high percentages (96%, 98%, 100%) for the abnormal protein.
Roy Freeman, a senior author and director at the Centre for Autonomic and Peripheral Nerve Disorders at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre in the US, along with being a professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School, expressed his excitement regarding the precision of this diagnostic test.
He stated that Parkinson’s disease, along with its related progressive neurodegenerative disorders, gradually worsen over time. However, alpha-synuclein can already be found in the skin during the initial stages.
The group stated that more studies are necessary to verify the results and understand the potential impact of using skin biopsies to detect P-SYN in medical treatment.
When asked about the study, Dr. Katherine Fletcher, who leads research communications at Parkinson’s UK, stated that it is one of several studies attempting to find a straightforward and precise method for identifying and measuring neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.
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At this time, there is no definitive test available to diagnose Parkinson’s disease, which often results in a high number of incorrect diagnoses. This is due to the similarities in symptoms with other conditions like dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy, and pure autonomic failure.
This approach of extracting small skin samples for testing shows potential for being patient-friendly. It is currently being studied for its potential use in diagnosing Parkinson’s and other similar conditions.
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“Nevertheless, the accuracy and sensitivity of the test require further refinement in order to better detect various conditions and their respective stages.”
Studying these kinds of tests is incredibly significant, not only for enhancing diagnosis, but also for expediting the quest for innovative and improved treatments that can greatly improve the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
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