What if you could know decades in advance that you were going to develop Parkinson’s disease? A new breakthrough discovery now makes this a real possibility. Researchers have discovered a biomarker that enables PET scans to detect early signs of Parkinson’s up to 30 years before symptoms appear. This game-changing finding provides hope that through earlier diagnosis and treatment, we may be able to stop Parkinson’s in its tracks and prevent extensive damage.
Parkinson's disease, a relentless neurodegenerative disorder stealthily encroaching upon the nervous system, often conceals its presence until unmistakable symptoms emerge. The initial signs may manifest as a subtle tremor in a solitary hand, and as it progresses, it tightens its grip, leading to stiffness, slowed movements, and facial expressions that lose their animation. By the time Parkinson's becomes apparent, up to 85 percent of the brain's motor-controlling neurons may have succumbed, rendering many treatments ineffectual.
Using PET scans and a biomarker called F-AV-133, scientists were able to pick up on progressive neurodegeneration in critical movement-related areas of the brain. Compare this to current methods that can only diagnose Parkinson’s when most of the neurons controlling movement have already been destroyed – generally only 5-10 years before symptoms show up. The scans also revealed rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) as a red flag that could signify Parkinson’s 20-30 years down the line. RBD involves acting out unpleasant dreams and is caused by lack of muscle paralysis during REM sleep.
This remarkable innovation promises significantly earlier diagnosis and treatment, providing hope to the 10 million people living with Parkinson’s worldwide. As the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s, better understanding Parkinson’s course offers optimism for one day stopping its progression. Through techniques that detect the disease far sooner, we move towards preserving quality of life and finding a cure.
Parkinson's disease, a relentless neurodegenerative disorder stealthily encroaching upon the nervous system, often conceals its presence until unmistakable symptoms emerge. The initial signs may manifest as a subtle tremor in a solitary hand, and as it progresses, it tightens its grip, leading to stiffness, slowed movements, and facial expressions that lose their animation. By the time Parkinson's becomes apparent, up to 85 percent of the brain's motor-controlling neurons may have succumbed, rendering many treatments ineffectual.
Using PET scans and a biomarker called F-AV-133, scientists were able to pick up on progressive neurodegeneration in critical movement-related areas of the brain. Compare this to current methods that can only diagnose Parkinson’s when most of the neurons controlling movement have already been destroyed – generally only 5-10 years before symptoms show up. The scans also revealed rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) as a red flag that could signify Parkinson’s 20-30 years down the line. RBD involves acting out unpleasant dreams and is caused by lack of muscle paralysis during REM sleep.
This remarkable innovation promises significantly earlier diagnosis and treatment, providing hope to the 10 million people living with Parkinson’s worldwide. As the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s, better understanding Parkinson’s course offers optimism for one day stopping its progression. Through techniques that detect the disease far sooner, we move towards preserving quality of life and finding a cure.