Scientists hopeful of game changing Parkinson’s test able to predict condition seven years before first symptoms
With help from artificial intelligence, researchers have identified a biological signature of Parkinson’s disease they hope could lead to a simple blood test for the condition at least seven years before symptoms appear.
A predictive test for Parkinson’s could be game changing.
The progressive condition affects more than 150,000 people in the UK and is currently the world’s fastest-growing neurodegenerative disorder.
Parkinson’s is a broad spectrum of conditions, but the most common symptoms are slowness of movement, tremors, and muscle stiffness.
There are currently no drugs that slow or stop Parkinson’s, and efforts to develop preventative treatments are hampered by the ability to know whether someone is going to develop the condition.
Like many progressive neurological conditions, by the time symptoms emerge, the damage to brain cells caused by Parkinson’s has already occurred.
“At present, we are shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted, and we need to start experimental treatments before patients develop symptoms,” said Professor Kevin Mills at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, who helped develop the blood test.
Using machine learning – a form of artificial intelligence – researchers from University College London and University Medical Centre in Goettingen, Sweden, screened blood samples from people with Parkinson’s and detected eight key proteins or “biomarkers” common to those with the condition.
They then used their machine learning tool to analyse blood samples taken a decade ago from people with a sleep condition called Rapid Eye Movement Disorder, around 75% of whom go on to develop Parkinson’s.
The AI has so far been able to correctly predict which patients went on to develop Parkinson’s and did so up to seven years before symptoms first appeared.
“By determining eight proteins in the blood, we can identify potential Parkinson’s patients several years in advance,” said Dr Michale Bartl at UMC Goettingen.
“This means that drug therapies could potentially be given at an earlier stage, which could possibly slow down disease progression or even prevent it from occurring.”
The researchers have more work to do to validate the tests’ accuracy and develop a version that could be easily used in a clinic.
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“If replicated in larger studies, these tests or panels may prove to be invaluable in supporting the diagnosis of Parkinson’s,” said neurologist Professor Ray Chaudhuri, at King’s College in London.
In the short term, a test could be used to replace the invasive lumbar puncture technique currently required to confirm Parkinson’s.
A blood test that predicts Parkinson’s years in advance may be key to accelerating clinical trials – but it’s not without ethical hurdles, says Professor Chaudhuri.
Currently, doctors have no drugs to prevent or stop Parkinson’s – so is it right to offer people a test?
Gary Shaughnessy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s nine years ago and recognises the dilemma.
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He said: “I hate having Parkinson’s so why would I want to know having it for one second more than is absolutely necessary?”
However, he argues there are actions people can take to mitigate the symptoms of Parkinson’s.
His is exercise – he’s a competitive marathon runner.
But he also recognises, having a predictive test for Parkinson’s could be a key step towards developing new treatments.
“If we can make progress on a cure or treatments, it may be too late from my perspective, but it we could do something for other people that would be brilliant,” he said.
UK
Philip Young appears in Swindon court charged with 56 sexual offences against ex-wife – as five others also charged
A man has appeared in court charged with drugging and raping his ex-wife over a 13-year period.
Philip Young, 49, formerly of Swindon, has been charged with 56 offences, including multiple counts of rape, against Joanne Young.
He is also charged with administering a substance to allow sexual activity, as well as voyeurism, possession of indecent images of children and possession of extreme images.
Young appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court this morning and spoke only to confirm his name and address.
He declined to enter a plea and was remanded in custody until the next hearing at Swindon Crown Court on 23 January.
The alleged offences took place between 2010 and 2023.
Philip Young was remanded in custody
The 49-year-old was taken to court in Swindon on Tuesday morning
Five other men have also been charged with sexual offences against Ms Young. The 48-year-old has waived her legal right to anonymity.
The full list of charges against Philip Young are:
- 11 counts of rape
- seven counts of sexual assault by penetration
- four counts of sexual touching
- 11 counts of administering a substance with intent to stupefy/overpower to allow sexual activity
- 13 counts of voyeurism specific to videos
- Voyeurism on at least 200 other occasions
- Possession of Indecent Images of Children:
Category A – 139
Category B – 68
Category C – 23
Prohibited – 3
Extreme – 82 (with one count each for four types: rape, animals, death, gore)
Breaching S1 of the Obscene Publications Act 1959 on at least 500 occasions
The other men appeared at the same court later on and were released on conditional bail.
They are: Norman Macksoni, 47, of Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire. He is a black British national and has been charged with one count of rape and possession of extreme images.
Dean Hamilton, 47, of no fixed abode. He is a white British national and has been charged with one count of rape and sexual assault by penetration and two counts of sexual touching.
Court artist sketch of Philip Young (right) appearing at Swindon Magistrates’ Court. Pic: Elizabeth Cook/PA
Conner Sanderson Doyle, 31, of Swindon. He is a white British national and has been charged with sexual assault by penetration and sexual touching
Richard Wilkins, 61, of Swindon. He is a white British national and has been charged with one count of rape and sexual touching
Mohammed Hassan, 37, of Swindon. He is a British Asian and has been charged with sexual touching.
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