AI-powered blood test may detect Parkinson's disease years before onset

New research from University College London and the University Medical Center Goettingen reveals a breakthrough in Parkinson's disease detection.

Published in Nature Communications on Tuesday, the study introduces a blood test that can potentially identify Parkinson's up to seven years before symptoms appear using artificial intelligence (AI).

The study focused on individuals with Rapid Eye Movement Behavior Disorder (iRBD), a condition often preceding Parkinson's. Using machine-learning algorithms, researchers identified specific blood biomarkers and achieved a 100 per cent accurate diagnosis, according to the study's authors.

The test predicted Parkinson's onset with 79 per cent accuracy in iRBD patients and forecasted the development of Parkinson's in 16 participants seven years before they showed any symptoms.

"By determining eight proteins in the blood, we can identify potential Parkinson's patients several years in advance," explained Michael Bartl, co-first author from University Medical Center Göttingen.

"This means that drug therapies could potentially be given at an earlier stage, possibly slowing down or even preventing disease progression."

The study involved analyzing blood from 72 patients with iRBD, a condition linked to neurodegenerative disorders. Over a decade of follow-up, the researchers aimed to see if the blood test could predict the development of Parkinson's in these patients. The test identified 79 per cent of iRBD patients with profiles similar to those of Parkinson's patients. The earliest correct identification of a future Parkinson's patient occurred 7.3 years before symptom onset.

"We set out to use state-of-the-art technology to find new and better biomarkers for Parkinson's disease and develop them into a test that we can translate into any large NHS laboratory," said Kevin Mills, senior author from University College London.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological condition that affects movement, mental health, sleep, pain, and other aspects of health.

PD is progressive, meaning symptoms worsen over time. While there is no cure, therapies and medications can help alleviate symptoms such as tremors, painful muscle contractions, and difficulties with speech. The disease often leads to disability and the need for caregiving, with many individuals developing dementia.

PD typically affects older adults but can also occur in younger people, with men more commonly affected than women. The exact cause of PD remains unknown, but a family history of the disease increases the risk. Exposure to factors like air pollution, pesticides, and solvents may also contribute to the risk.

Symptoms of PD include motor symptoms such as slow movement, tremors, involuntary movements, rigidity, trouble walking, and imbalance.

Non-motor symptoms include cognitive impairment, mental health disorders, dementia, sleep disturbances, pain, and sensory issues. Involuntary movements (dyskinesias) and painful muscle contractions (dystonias) can affect speech and mobility, contributing to high disability rates and the need for care.

Dr. Daniel Truong, a neurologist, stressed the test's potential impact on diagnosis and treatment: "The development of a biomarker test for early detection of Parkinson's disease is a potentially transformative advancement."

He emphasised the need for rigorous validation and ethical integration into clinical practice.

Dr. Michael Bartl highlighted the test's capability to detect Parkinson's disease early by analyzing eight specific proteins in the blood.

"Drug therapies could potentially be given earlier, slowing or preventing disease progression," Bartl noted. These biomarkers also offer new targets for drug development.

David Dexter from Parkinson's UK hailed the research as a major step towards a diagnostic test, expressing hope for its ability to differentiate Parkinson's from similar diseases.