AI-Based Blood Test to Detect Parkinson’s Syndrome

Parkinson’s is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. Around 10 million people are living with this disease. A recent study published in Nature Communication brought good news for those diagnosed with PD, showcasing the global medical community’s dedication. 

The researchers from UCL (University College London) and University Medical Centre Goettingen, Germany, have developed an AI (Artificial Intelligence) based blood test.  This blood test can detect Parkinson’s seven years before the symptoms appear. 

The UCL stated in a press release, “Currently, people with Parkinson’s are treated with dopamine replacement therapy after they have already developed symptoms, such as tremor, slowness of movement and gait, and memory problems. But researchers believe that early prediction and diagnosis would be valuable for finding treatments that could slow or stop Parkinson’s by protecting the dopamine producing brain cells.” 

The researchers discovered that when AI’s machine learning was applied to a panel of eight blood-based biomarkers, it was very accurate in identifying patients with Parkinson’s. This not only confirmed the effectiveness of the AI-based blood test but also instilled confidence in its potential to provide 100% accurate treatment. 

For this test, 72 patients with iRBD (Rapid Eye Movement Behaviour Disorder) were studied. Out of them. 75-80% of the patients developed synucleinopathy (a brain disorder caused by unusual buildup of alpha-synuclein in brain cells), including Parkinson’s. After the study, researchers said, “When the machine learning tool analysed the blood of these patients, it identified that 79% of the iRBD patients had the same profile as someone with Parkinson’s.” 

There is no cure for Parkinson’s at the current time, and treatments aim to lower the symptoms via medications that increase dopamine in the brain. Occupational therapy, Physical therapy (Lee Silverman Silverman Voice Treatment), and lifestyle changes can also help one manage Parkinson’s symptoms.