Researchers released new findings that suggest that a simple blood test may help in early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.
The study’s purpose centered around a problem that is all too familiar to many: accurately distinguishing between Parkinson’s disease and a host of other rare conditions collectively known as atypical parkinsonian disorders (APD).
In the study, 500 participants in Sweden and England were compared by a blood test that checks for levels of a specific protein called neurofilament light chain (NfL) protein. The results showed that people with Parkinson’s had significantly less NfL protein than people with APDs.
The study, published in the journal Neurology, was led by Swedish professor Oskar Hansson. He told Medscape Medical News that he was “somewhat surprised that the diagnostic accuracy of NfL in blood was just as good as when analyzing NfL in cerebrospinal fluid,” which is a harder test to conduct.
The study recommends consideration of this simple blood test in clinical use in order to help make more accurate diagnoses.
The benefits of a correct diagnosis at an early stage are manifold. Dr. Hansson said, according to Medscape, that APDs, although they can be mistaken with PD early on, actually tend to progress much faster.
What does this mean for people with PD? Right now it is still early to tell. According to a CBS News article, experts say the study must be refined and accurately replicated. If the blood test ever receives widespread adoption, it could give people who have been diagnosed with PD more certainty about their diagnosis.
Why does this matter, you might ask? While it’s true, as these news reports point out, that PD cannot be cured, having early knowledge can help in a number of ways.
Ask Mike Horak, a marathon runner diagnosed with PD whose story was recently covered by the Citizen-Times of Asheville, North Carolina. After receiving his diagnosis, Horak joined a specialized, non-contact boxing program and will compete in marathons to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s research.
“I’ve held myself to the standard that I don’t have off days with Parkinson’s,” Horak told the Citizen-Times. “Every single day I need to be doing something to make sure my muscles remain flexible.”
We couldn’t agree more. Staying active is so important for the mind, body and soul and has shown to help at different stages of PD. Although the disease itself is not curable, knowing about it early on and making a point of staying active may help prevent many secondary problems, such as stiff muscles and faster muscle atrophy.
we offer many different kinds of mobility aids in our store to keep you active and on the move despite PD. From walkers to car caddies to grip poles, find the item you need to continue living your life.
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