2023-10-13 06:01:59
New Study Shows Parkinson’s Disease Can Be Detected Years Before Symptoms Appear
Parkville, October 13, 2023 – A recent study conducted by The Florey and Austin Health reveals that the telltale signs of Parkinson’s disease can be detected up to 20 to 30 years before the onset of symptoms. This groundbreaking finding opens doors for screening programs and preventive treatments that can be implemented before irreversible brain damage occurs.
According to lead scientist Kevin Barnham, Parkinson’s disease is often seen as a disease of old age. However, it actually begins in middle-aged individuals. If obvious symptoms are present, it is likely that up to 85 percent of the neurons in the brain controlling motor coordination have already been destroyed. At this stage, many treatment approaches are no longer effective.
In the study, researchers utilized F-AV-133, a known biomarker, in combination with PET scans to diagnose Parkinson’s disease and closely monitor neurodegeneration. The team at Austin Health analyzed 26 Parkinson’s patients, a control group of 12, and 11 patients with REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), which is considered a strong indicator of the disease.
PET scans were conducted every two years on each participant. Although none of the participants showed significant changes in clinical symptoms according to standard assessments, the PET scans revealed significant loss of neurons in three crucial regions of the brain associated with Parkinson’s disease. This indicates that F-AV-133 is a more responsive option for monitoring neurodegeneration.
Mathematical modeling suggests that Parkinson’s disease causes slow neuronal loss over approximately 33 years. However, using a PET scan to detect the disease is only possible about 10.5 years before symptoms appear. After the onset of motor symptoms, it takes an additional 6.5 years for a diagnosis to be confirmed. This highlights the significance of detecting the disease earlier.
Based on these findings, lead scientist Kevin Barnham believes that screening protocols for diagnosis and treatment can be developed that can be implemented ten years earlier than currently possible. Additionally, these discoveries can aid in identifying suitable candidates for clinical trials.
RBD, a condition characterized by restless sleep and unpleasant dreams, is often experienced by individuals who later develop Parkinson’s disease. Approximately 90 percent of RBD sufferers go on to develop Parkinson’s, and half of all Parkinson’s patients have RBD. These findings emphasize the importance of RBD as an early warning sign for Parkinson’s disease.
The results of this study were published in the journal “Neurology,” shedding light on the potential for early detection and intervention in Parkinson’s disease. With further research, these findings have the potential to significantly improve the lives of individuals affected by this debilitating condition.
(Note: This article is based on a press release from The Florey and Austin Health. The content has been edited for clarity and journalistic style.)]
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