New blood test could differentiate Parkinson's disease from similar conditions

A new blood test could be the most accurate way of determining whether someone has Parkinson's disease or a condition with similar symptoms, a recent study suggests.

Published in the medical journal Neurology, the research shows the blood test is as accurate as a spinal fluid test when trying to determine whether symptoms are caused by Parkinson's or another similar condition.

Claire Bale, head of research communications at Parkinson's UK, said: "Research suggests that around one in ten people initially diagnosed with Parkinson's actually have another parkinsonism. This not only means they do not receive the right treatment and care, but also contributes to the failure of clinical trials of new medications.

"While this is a positive step towards a simple, fast test to determine whether someone has Parkinson's or a parkinsonism, more research in larger groups is still needed to determine the technique's accuracy."

It can be difficult to differentiate between Parkinson's and Atypical Parkinsonism Disorders (APDs) such as multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration at early stages because symptoms can overlap.

Yet researchers say early identification is important because expectations concerning progression and potential benefit from treatment differ dramatically between Parkinson's and APDs.

Researchers at Lund University in Sweden tested the blood of 504 people from Britain and Sweden, including healthy people, those who had been living with Parkinson's for up to six years, along with people with APDs.

Overall, the new blood test showed equal accuracy as the spinal fluid test when diagnosing Parkinson's or an atypical parkinsonism disorder.

Researchers believe this research could reduce the delays and distress many people experience in getting a definitive diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

Around 127,000 people in the UK are believed to have Parkinson's disease, a neurological disorder that can cause tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, trouble balancing, problems walking and difficulty coordinating movement.

Dr Oskar Hansson, lead study author, said: "Our findings are exciting because when Parkinson's or an atypical parkinsonism disorder is suspected, one simple blood test will help a physician to give their patient a more accurate diagnosis.

"These atypical parkinsonism disorders are rare but they generally progress much faster and are more likely to be the cause of death than Parkinson's disease, so it's important for patients and their families to receive the best care possible and to plan for their future needs."