YEAR ONE OF THE NEW BIOMARKER
THE MICHAEL J . FOX FOUNDATION 2024 YEAR IN REVIEW
The biomarker has enabled the first tests capable of detecting clumped alpha-synuclein protein ( the biological hallmark of Parkinson ’ s disease , alongside depletion of dopamine neurons ) in living people . This means the field can at last move to an evidence-based model that is ushering in a new era of therapeutic development targeting the underlying biology of the disease .
The interconnectedness of neurodegenerative diseases , including Parkinson ’ s , dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer ’ s , is coming into clearer view as researchers determine how to target the biology they share — providing yet another catalyst for the new era of research we ’ re navigating .
Still , for people living with Parkinson ’ s and their loved ones , especially in advancing stages of the disease , the lived experience of the disease remains vexing . The challenges of treating symptoms , managing medications and modifying activities are ever present . With the new biological insights , the field stands on the cusp of delivering precision medicine approaches that hold benefits for people at every stage of the disease . We have a clear sight line toward this objective .
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