New Test Shows 95% Accuracy In Diagnosing Patients With Parkinson’s Disease, Study Finds

Parkinson’s News Today (4/29, Bryson) reports a study found that “a newly developed test was able to distinguish – with an accuracy of 95% – between individuals with and without Parkinson’s disease, using samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the liquid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.” The test “uses samples of CSF, collected via a spinal tap, to directly test misfolded alpha-synuclein – a molecular hallmark of Parkinson’s and related conditions.” Researchers concluded, “The structure-based biomarker, which is already established for Alzheimer’s, now enables a biological classification for [Parkinson’s disease] for timely identification and intervention, potentially slowing the disease progression and improving patient outcomes.” The study was published in the journal EMBO Molecular Medicine.