Researchers behind test using biomarkers say it could ‘revolutionise’ early diagnosis of disease

Summary

Researchers have developed a “simple and cost-effective” blood test capable of detecting Parkinson’s disease “long before symptoms emerge,” offering a “highly accurate, non-invasive, rapid and affordable diagnostic tool.”

The test analyses transfer RNA fragments in the blood, focusing on a repetitive RNA sequence and a decline in mitochondrial RNA.

“This discovery represents a major advancement in our understanding of Parkinson’s disease,” said Prof Hermona Soreq.

Scoring 0.86 for accuracy, it outperforms current tests at 0.73. “More work is needed to continue to test and validate this possible test,” said Prof David Dexter of Parkinson’s UK.