Researchers Find New Method for Early Detection of Parkinson's Disease

Researchers say they have discovered a method for identifying changes in the eye that may detect symptoms of Parkinson's disease before they become apparent. According to the scientific journal Acta Neuropathologica Communications, scientists from University College London state that initial tests on laboratory animals may lead to a cheap and non-invasive method for early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. One in every five hundred people worldwide suffers from Parkinson's disease. Professor Francesca Cordero, the head of this research group, says that this method has the potential to revolutionize early diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Professor Cordero added, 'The results of these tests mean that we will be able to diagnose the disease earlier and start treatment at very early stages.' Symptoms of Parkinson's disease include muscle stiffness and rigidity, slowed movement, and consequently a decrease in the patient's ability to perform daily tasks. However, currently, there is no imaging method or test capable of diagnosing this disease. Although Parkinson's does not lead to the patient's death, its symptoms become significantly more severe over time, robbing the patient of the ability to live normally. According to the BBC website, Dr. Arthur Roach, director of the Parkinson's Research Center in Britain, states that there is an urgent need for early and affordable diagnosis of this disease. Dr. Roach said, 'Although this new research is still in a very early stage and needs to be tested on humans to prove its effectiveness, it could be a very effective step in further research to find treatment and also discover the cause of this disease, rather than just focusing on hiding its symptoms in patients.' Another finding of this research was that scientists succeeded in creating a new version of an anti-diabetes drug that causes less damage to cells. However, this drug also needs to be tested on humans to prove its effectiveness.