Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex and increasingly prevalent neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Like other neurodegenerative diseases, PD is characterized by progressive motor and non-motor symptoms which leads to Lewy body (LB) formation. It is the world’s fastest-growing neurodegenerative disorder and currently affects close to 10 million people worldwide.  

A little history, for many years PD was considered a diagnosis of elimination. What that means is that other diseases were ruled out and PD symptoms were treated with medications. If the patient responded to the medication and the symptoms decreased, they were “diagnosed” with PD. That said, a search for a test to diagnose PD reached a milestone recently with the arrival of alpha synuclein seed amplification assays. I know lots of big words; however, it is being hailed as a “potential game-changer” because of their high performance as a diagnostic biomarker.  

Another exciting piece to this confusing puzzle? The researchers found that it may be possible to predict PD years in advance of symptoms. Imagine, you go for your annual physical and your physician asks you about a family history of PD. They suggest you be tested preemptively; how would you respond? Something to consider, sure, it would give you an opportunity to prepare if the test was positive, but it could also paralyze you with fear. Not sure how I feel about predictive medicine, a personal thing, but it is coming to a clinic near you! Stay tuned! Stay well and stay informed!