Blood Test Could Improve The Accuracy of Parkinson’s Diagnosis and Monitoring

A ground-breaking blood test may revolutionise the early detection of Parkinson's disease, offering hope for millions worldwide.

This article will run through a blood test developed by researchers at the University of Oxford, this test has the potential to diagnose Parkinson's long before symptoms surface, presenting a crucial opportunity for intervention.

In Parkinson's disease, a toxic protein called alpha-synuclein begins to aggregate in the brain, causing damage to surrounding cells. This process occurs years before the typical symptoms of Parkinson's, such as tremors and movement difficulties, become apparent. The innovative blood test targets changes in alpha-synuclein levels, providing a means to identify individuals in the early stages of the disease.

Why Use A Blood Test?

The rationale behind using a blood test lies in the response of cells to the accumulation of alpha-synuclein. When cells encounter this toxic protein, they initiate a stress response, packaging it into small vesicles and releasing them into the bloodstream. 

By detecting these alpha-synuclein-containing vesicles, the blood test devised by Oxford researchers offers a less invasive alternative to existing diagnostic methods, such as lumbar punctures.

The Researcher’s Findings

The study involved 576 participants with varying risks of developing Parkinson's, ranging from those with a high risk of developing Parkinson’s, to a low risk group. Additionally, the researchers analysed blood samples from individuals already diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Utilising the blood test to assess alpha-synuclein levels, the researchers accurately distinguished between high and low-risk individuals in 9 out of 10 cases. Notably, those at the highest risk exhibited twice the alpha-synuclein concentration compared to their lower-risk counterparts.

Furthermore, the blood test demonstrated an 80% accuracy in predicting the onset of Parkinson’s and Parkinson’s dementia up to 7 years before diagnosis. Individuals who later developed these conditions showed elevated alpha-synuclein levels in their blood, alongside relatively lower levels in the spinal cord. This phenomenon suggests a cellular mechanism aimed at clearing alpha-synuclein aggregates to safeguard against cellular damage.

So, What’s Next For Parkinson’s Disease?

Emma Rodgers, Research Communications Officer at Parkinson’s UK, highlighted the significance of these findings in the context of ongoing Parkinson's research. She commented, "These tests still need refining, and it will be a while before they are able to be used in the diagnosis of Parkinson’s. But it’s exciting to see so much progress in this area. These tests could offer an objective way to measure whether new treatments being tested in clinical studies are working. Better tools could not only be used as a way to find new treatments, but also to identify people at risk before Parkinson’s symptoms show so we can stop the very early stages of the condition.".