Could your SPIT help detect Parkinson’s disease?
THIS test could become the new accurate way to find out whether you’re at risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson's study: Researchers believe they've identified a possible test for the condition
No test so far has been able to diagnose the condition accurately. Current testing is based on medical history, signs and symptoms, a neurological examination and the exclusion of other conditions.
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona had previously found 45 per cent of patients in the early stages may receive an incorrect diagnosis.
They wanted to explore what other tests would be more accurate and devised the transcutaneous submandibular gland biopsy test - where gland tissue is extracted by inserting a needle in to a salivary gland under the jaw.
Parkinson's study: A needle would be inserted in to the salivary gland
The researchers believed that a protein in the cells may indicate early Parkinson’s disease.
They tested 19 patients with Parkinson’s disease who had the disease for less than five years and who had sufficient tissue for the testing, they also examined 10 healthy individuals.
Comparing the results to the healthy controls, the protein was present in 14 out 19 patients.
Parkinson's study: No accurate testing currently exists
Parkinson's disease: The signs and symptoms
Study co-author Dr. Thomas Beach, PhD, a neuropathologist with Banner Sun Health Research Institute said: "This procedure will provide a much more accurate diagnosis of Parkinson's disease than what is now available.
"One of the greatest potential impacts of this finding is on clinical trials, as at the present time some patients entered into Parkinson's clinical trials do not necessarily have Parkinson's disease and this is a big impediment to testing new therapies."
According to Parkinson’s UK, every hour, someone in the UK is told they have Parkinson’s.
Parkinson's study: Every hour someone is told they have Parkinson's
It is a progressive neurological condition affecting movement - making every day difficulties frustrating or difficult.
The three main symptoms are tremors, muscle stiffness and slowness of movement.
People with the condition may also experience tiredness, pain, depression and constipation.