Researchers have identified a series of blood markers capable of detecting Parkinson's disease up to seven years before the onset of most symptoms, potentially reshaping the future of diagnosis and treatment. This advancement holds promise for early intervention and more effective management of the neurodegenerative disorder, which affects millions worldwide.
The study, conducted by scientists at University College London (UCL) and the University of Göttingen, employed machine learning models to pinpoint eight specific proteins in blood that change as Parkinson's disease progresses. These markers were found to predict the development of Parkinson's with nearly 80 percent accuracy in individuals exhibiting early signs, such as REM sleep behavior disorder, a precursor to the disease.
Professor Kevin Mills, a senior author of the study, emphasized the importance of early detection. "At the moment, we're shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted," he said. "We need to get to people before they develop symptoms. It's always better to do prevention rather than cure."
Parkinson's disease, the fastest-growing neurodegenerative condition globally, affects over 150,000 people in the UK and 10 million worldwide. It is characterized by the buildup of a protein called alpha-synuclein, which damages or destroys dopamine-producing nerve cells in the substantia nigra region of the brain. Symptoms include tremors, muscle stiffness, balance issues, memory problems, and nerve pain.
By the time most individuals are diagnosed with Parkinson's, they have already lost more than 60 percent of these critical cells. The new test aims to identify at-risk individuals much earlier, during the premotor stage of the disease, which is marked by mood disturbances and sleep disruptions.
To develop the test, the researchers analyzed blood samples from 99 recently diagnosed Parkinson's patients, 72 individuals with REM sleep behavior disorder, and 26 healthy controls. They identified 23 potential biomarkers, which were then refined to the most reliable combination using machine learning. These eight biomarkers are involved in inflammation, blood clotting, and cell development, and some are linked to the endoplasmic reticulum's stress response, a known factor in Parkinson's pathology.
Dr. Jenny Hällqvist, the study's lead author, highlighted the significance of these findings. "This powerful combination of multiple well-selected biomarkers with state-of-the-art machine-learning bioinformatics allowed us to use a panel of eight biomarkers that could distinguish early Parkinson's disease from healthy controls," she said.
While current diagnostic methods, such as cerebrospinal fluid tests, can detect early signs of Parkinson's, they require invasive procedures. A simple blood test would be far more accessible and allow for repeated monitoring over time, potentially benefiting a larger population.
Professor Roger Barker, a consultant neurologist specializing in Parkinson's at the University of Cambridge, underscored the potential impact of this test. "If validated by other groups, the test raises the possibility of diagnosing Parkinson's at the very earliest stages, enabling patients to be enrolled in clinical trials when the disease process had just begun," he noted. "As such, we could treat people with Parkinson's with disease-modifying therapies before they have lost many cells in their brain."
However, experts caution that while this development is promising, significant challenges remain. Professor Ray Chaudhuri, medical director of the Parkinson Foundation International Centre of Excellence, pointed out that Parkinson's is a complex syndrome with various presentations. "The prediction is unlikely to signpost these subgroups at this stage," he said, adding that early diagnosis without effective treatments could raise ethical concerns and impact patients' insurance policies.
Despite these challenges, the potential for early detection is seen as a crucial step forward. Faisal Al-Juburi, chief external affairs officer at RAíCES, emphasized the broader implications of such advancements. "Policies reaffirming our nation's commitment to protecting families, regardless of citizenship, can positively influence the hearts and minds of the American public," he said. "With humanitarian rather than punitive and criminalizing policies, our elected officials can shape public understanding about our community and activate urgent support in favor of fixing our nation's broken immigration system."
