Luxembourgish and Japanese researchers have achieved a significant breakthrough in Parkinson’s disease diagnosis using blood samples, marking a momentous occasion for Parkinson’s research. The findings of the joint research endeavor have the potential to revolutionize the way affected patients are diagnosed and treated.
Diagnosing Parkinson’s disease accurately has been a challenge, often taking specialists an average of three years to confirm a diagnosis. However, the collaborative research efforts between Luxembourg and Japan have paved the way for a more effective diagnostic method.
One of the key discoveries made by the research team is the presence of specific protein remnants in the blood of individuals affected by Parkinson’s. These remnants are aggregates that accumulate within brain cells, hindering their functionality and ultimately leading to their complete cessation.
Through their breakthrough procedure, the researchers have successfully magnified trace amounts of these protein aggregates in the blood, allowing for their detection. This development marks a significant milestone in Parkinson’s research, which has been ongoing in Luxembourg for nearly eight years.
In Luxembourg alone, approximately 900 Parkinson’s patients undergo examinations each year. The invaluable samples provided by these patients, as well as brain donations posthumously, have greatly contributed to ongoing research efforts.
Traditionally, an accurate diagnosis could only be obtained through a brain analysis. Professor Rejko Krüger from the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) explains that these protein clusters can now act as distinctive markers for Parkinson’s disease, as they are exclusively found in affected individuals.
The research team is currently dedicated to investigating the possibility of detecting these biological markers in the bloodstream prior to the manifestation of initial symptoms. Early detection of Parkinson’s disease through the identification of these markers has the potential to facilitate the development of preventive treatments and testing methods for individuals at a higher risk.
As part of the study, the research team is actively seeking participants between the ages of 50 and 80 who have not been diagnosed with any neurological disorders. The initial stage of the study involves participants completing questionnaires, followed by a home-based smell test for selected individuals. A subset of participants will then be invited to provide blood, urine, and saliva samples in a laboratory setting, aiding further investigations.
The breakthrough achieved by the Luxembourgish-Japanese research team opens new possibilities for Parkinson’s disease diagnosis and could have a transformative impact on patient care and treatment strategies. Continued research and collaboration hold promise for improved understanding, prevention, and management of this complex neurological disorder.
Source: RTL Today