There is no cure for Parkinson's, and by the time the chronic disease is discovered, it has often already caused significant damage.
Parkinson's is often only diagnosed when you already have problems with mobility, tremors or can no longer eat properly. Previous studies show that by then at least half, often more, of all relevant brain cells are already dead, says Annikka Polster, assistant senior lecturer at Chalmers.
She led the study, published in the journal NPJ Parkinson's Disease, in which the researchers looked at two types of genetic processes: the body's DNA repair and the cells' stress response. Using machine learning, the researchers discovered a pattern.
There was no difference in how active these genes were between healthy people and people with full-blown Parkinson's. But in those with early Parkinson's, the genes were much more active, says Annikka Polster.
"New opportunities"
This means that researchers could detect Parkinson's in people who have not yet experienced any motor symptoms - the early phase can last up to 20 years. Hopefully, this could eventually lead to new treatments or preventive medications.
"Can treatments that already exist be beneficial at that stage? Can it prevent deterioration? It opens up many new possibilities for how we can address this disease in what is hopefully a window of time when we can still save many cells," says Annikka Polster.
When we talk about precision medicine, we talk about giving the right treatment to the right patient. But we also need to give it at the right time - and that's what our study adds.
Screening with blood test
The fact that it can be detected in a simple blood test opens up the possibility of broad screening tests, something that, according to the researchers, could theoretically be implemented in healthcare in as little as five years.
Of course, this depends on research funding. But in theory, it is not difficult to screen for this if enough resources are provided.
The long-term dream, says Annikka Polster, is of course that the research will eventually lead to the development of a cure for Parkinson's.
But it's still a long way off, she says.
Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder that makes it difficult for the brain to control the nerve signals responsible for the body's movements. It occurs when the cells that produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter the brain uses to send signals between brain cells, are destroyed.
Typical symptoms include tremors, stiff muscles and reduced mobility. The very first signs of Parkinson's can be noticed many years before the motor symptoms and can include a decreased sense of smell, constipation, depression and REM sleep disorder.
It is most common in people over 65, but can be noticed earlier. In Sweden, there are just over 22,000 people who have the disease.
There is currently no cure, but there is effective treatment that helps with the symptoms.
Source: 1177, Parkinson's Association
