In a major success, researchers in Israel have developed a simple and inexpensive blood test that can detect Parkinson’s disease long before the symptoms begin to show. This initial diagnosis tool can provide new hope to millions of people affected by this situation worldwide.

The study published in the Nature Aging Journal explains the importance of early identity for Parkinson’s disease – a brain disorder that affects more than 10 million people globally. Parkinson’s occurs when the brain gradually stops making dopamine, a chemical that helps to control movement and balance. As a result, patients often experience shocks, hardness, slow movements and memory or thinking problems. Unfortunately, as long as these symptoms appear, the brain has already lost more than 60 percent of the dopamine-producing cells.

Therefore this new test can be a game-chainer. The team of scientists at Hebrew University, Jerusalem, focused on their research on transferred RNA pieces, or small molecules in the blood called TRF. These pieces are believed to be associated with brain health and neurological diseases. By comparing blood and brain tissue to both Parkinson’s patients and healthy individuals, researchers were able to identify two major biomarkers – one was associated with the disease and the other how it proceeds.

“By focusing on TRFS, we have opened a new window in molecular changes in the early stages of the disease,” said a senior writer of the study and a molecular neurological specialist at Hebrew University Professor Hermona Sorek.

This test makes it even more exciting that it uses the same PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technology that is widely known during the Kovid -19 epidemic. PCR works by increasing small amounts of genetic material to easily study them. This means that Parkinson’s test is not only accurate, but also non-invasive, quick and cost-effective.

“This discovery represents a great progress in our understanding of Parkinson’s disease,” said Professor Sorec. “It provides a simple and minimal invasive test as a tool for early diagnosis.”

The study was led by PhD student Nimrod Madrr under the guidance of Professor Sorec, as well as support from researchers at Share Zed Medical Center, Surrey University and Imperial College London in Jerusalem.

However, experts take precautions that more research is required before the test, widely used can be used. Professor David Dexter, Director of Research in Parkinson’s UK, who was not involved in the study, told Euronus that further verification is necessary. “We need to ensure that the test can clearly explain Parkinson’s different from other conditions that may have similar initial signs,” he said.

The study follows the project funded by another European Union, which, last year, identified eight proteins in the blood that could help to diagnose Parkinson’s up to seven years before showing symptoms.

If confirmed through further research, this blood test may revolutionize how Parkinson’s diagnosis is diagnosed and managed – which makes it possible to start treatment and potentially slows down the progression of the disease.

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