Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of Parkinson’s disease, using artificial intelligence to develop a blood test that could predict the condition up to seven years before symptoms show. With no current drugs available to slow or stop the progression of Parkinson’s, this predictive test could be a game changer for the more than 150,000 people in the UK who are affected by the condition.
Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by symptoms such as slowness of movement, tremors, and muscle stiffness. However, by the time these symptoms emerge, the damage to the brain cells has already occurred, making it challenging to develop preventative treatments. “At present, we are shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted, and we need to start experimental treatments before patients develop symptoms,” explains Professor Kevin Mills at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, who played a key role in developing the blood test.
Using machine learning, researchers from University College London and the University Medical Centre in Goettingen, Sweden, analyzed blood samples from individuals with Parkinson’s and identified eight key proteins, or “biomarkers,” that are common in those with the condition. They then tested their machine learning tool on blood samples taken a decade ago from individuals with a sleep condition called Rapid Eye Movement Disorder, 75% of whom went on to develop Parkinson’s. The AI accurately predicted which patients would develop Parkinson’s up to seven years before symptoms appeared.
“By determining eight proteins in the blood, we can identify potential Parkinson’s patients several years in advance,” states Dr. Michale Bartl at UMC Goettingen. This breakthrough could allow for earlier intervention and the possibility of slowing down or even preventing disease progression. However, further validation and development are needed before the test can be easily used in a clinical setting.
Neurologist Professor Ray Chaudhuri at King’s College in London believes that if replicated in larger studies, these tests could be “invaluable” in supporting the diagnosis of Parkinson’s. In the short term, the blood test could replace the invasive lumbar puncture technique currently used to confirm Parkinson’s. However, there are ethical concerns surrounding offering people a predictive test when there are currently no drugs available to prevent or stop the condition.
Gary Shaughnessy, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s nine years ago, understands this dilemma. He questions whether it is necessary to know about having the condition any sooner than required. However, he also acknowledges that a predictive test could be a significant step towards developing new treatments. “If we can make progress on a cure or treatments, it may be too late from my perspective, but if we could do something for other people, that would be brilliant,” he says.
This breakthrough in predictive testing for Parkinson’s offers hope for earlier interventions and the potential to develop new treatments. As researchers continue to refine and validate the blood test, the possibility of identifying individuals at risk of Parkinson’s years in advance could revolutionize the field and provide new opportunities for preventative measures and therapies.
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