AI blood test detects Parkinson’s years before symptoms

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NEW YORK, June 22: A recent breakthrough in medical research has led to the development of a blood test capable of detecting Parkinson’s disease up to seven years before the onset of symptoms. Conducted by researchers from University College London and University Medical Center Goettingen in Germany, the study utilized artificial intelligence to create this innovative diagnostic tool.

Published in the journal Nature Communications, the study involved 72 patients diagnosed with rapid eye movement behavior disorder (iRBD), a condition associated with a heightened risk of Alzheimer’s disease. By employing machine learning to analyze blood samples from these patients, researchers identified biomarkers consistent with Parkinson’s disease in 79% of cases.

Over a decade-long follow-up period, 16 patients progressed to develop Parkinson’s disease, affirming the test’s predictive accuracy. Dr. Michael Bartl from the University Medical Center Goettingen emphasized the significance of this discovery, highlighting the potential for earlier intervention and disease management.

The blood test, which evaluates eight specific proteins linked to inflammation and protein degradation, offers a less invasive alternative to lumbar punctures commonly used in clinical research. Professor David Dexter, director of research at Parkinson’s UK, lauded the study’s contribution to the search for a patient-friendly diagnostic test for Parkinson’s.

Moving forward, researchers plan to validate the test’s accuracy through continued follow-up with study participants. Additionally, they aim to explore its potential to differentiate Parkinson’s disease from other conditions with similar early symptoms, such as multiple system atrophy or Lewy body dementia.

Dr. Harvey Castro, a leading expert in AI applications in healthcare, hailed the blood test’s potential to revolutionize disease diagnosis and intervention. While acknowledging the psychological impact of early disease knowledge, Castro underscored the test’s transformative impact on neurodegenerative disease management.

This groundbreaking research represents a significant advancement in the field of medical diagnostics, highlighting the pivotal role of advanced technologies in enhancing patient outcomes and reshaping healthcare delivery. Fox News Digital has reached out to the study researchers for further insights into their groundbreaking findings.

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