Early detection and accurate diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease are critical for effectively treating and managing the condition. However, the early symptoms of the disease often resemble those of less severe conditions, leading to a delayed confirmation of Parkinson’s until the later stages when significant brain impairment has occurred.
The Absence of Early Diagnosis Has Hindered the Search for Treatments
Parkinson’s disease is currently diagnosed by observing various physical symptoms, including tremors, stooping posture, small handwriting, and sleep issues.In addition, Parkinson’s also damages nerve endings that produce norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter essential for regulating blood pressure and other automatic bodily functions. This may explain certain nonmovement symptoms of Parkinson’s, like fatigue and blood pressure abnormalities.
However, promising developments in diagnostic tests capable of detecting the disease in its early stages offer hope for breakthroughs in treatment, potentially leading to a future cure.
2 Tests Accurately Detect a Marker of Parkinson’s
New tests have been developed to detect early signs of a specific protein called alpha-synuclein, which affects certain brain areas. Alpha-synuclein, which is genetically linked to Parkinson’s disease, has been found to play a role in either the development or progression of the condition.SYNTap
SYNTap examines the patient’s spinal fluid collected through a spinal tap to identify signs of the misfolded alpha-synuclein protein. “Validation of this biomarker launches a new, biological era in Parkinson’s research,” Dr. Kenneth Marek, president and senior scientist at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders, said in a statement.Syn-One
The other test, which has been used since 2019, is called Syn-One. It offers the advantage of being less invasive. The test detects traces of the alpha-synuclein protein in the skin using a skin punch biopsy, which involves obtaining a small sample from a skin lesion. A clinical trial from 2022 revealed that Syn-One was able to detect the alpha-synuclein protein characteristic of Parkinson’s and other conditions in almost all patients.The skin biopsy procedure is straightforward, resembling a routine visit to a dermatologist’s office.
“A neurologist, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner collects three skin ‘punches,’ or very small biopsies—one at the back of the neck, one above the knee, and one above the ankle—using a local anesthetic like lidocaine,” Dr. Christopher Gibbons, senior scientific advisor to CND Life Sciences and the study’s lead author, told The Epoch Times. “The skin biopsies are about one-quarter the size of a pencil eraser and do not require any stitches, just a Band-Aid,” he added.
“The whole process takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and then the skin biopsies are sent to a lab for analysis.”
Direct comparisons between the Syn-One test and spinal fluid tests have not been done, according to Gibbons. However, results are similar, he added, “with the Syn-One test reporting slightly higher sensitivity and specificity according to the NIH-funded study.”
Tests Significantly Impact Treatment and Prognosis
Timely intervention and early treatment initiation can greatly benefit Parkinson’s patients. Early intervention has the potential to slow disease progression and improve a patient’s overall quality of life.The diagnostic uncertainty patients and caregivers face is incredibly frustrating, Gibbons said. “Many of the treatments for Parkinson’s disease and other synucleinopathies carry side effects, so it is important to avoid treatments that won’t provide any clinical benefit.” He further emphasized that an earlier and more accurate diagnosis provides patients and caregivers with the tools to prepare for the significant life changes that lie ahead.
Roger Miller, a patient who underwent the noninvasive Syn-One test, attests to the difference it made in his life. “It helped to know what I had,“ he said. ”I had so many MRIs on my brain. I was being treated for all sorts of things before this test,” he added. “It makes a lot of difference because now my neurologist can treat me for Parkinson’s properly.”