This suggests the test is detecting underlying biological changes that occur in Parkinson ’ s years before the first outward symptoms — like tremor or stiffness — develop .
Optimizing the New Biomarker : Relying on Measures , Not Just Symptoms
The aSyn-SAA biomarker test , developed and validated through MJFF ’ s PPMI study , is remarkably sensitive and accurate for detecting Parkinson ’ s synuclein dysfunction , with at least 90 percent of people with diagnosed PD ( as demonstrated by dopamine deficiency on DaTscan ) testing positive .
Even more importantly , the test reveals synuclein dysfunction even in those individuals who have not yet been diagnosed with Parkinson ’ s but who may have risk factors including age ( over 60 ) and smell loss , a confirmed risk factor for PD . This suggests it ’ s detecting underlying biological changes that occur in Parkinson ’ s years before the first outward symptoms — like tremor or stiffness — develop .
This suggests the test is detecting underlying biological changes that occur in Parkinson ’ s years before the first outward symptoms — like tremor or stiffness — develop .
Right now , the test requires spinal fluid , which involves the need for study participants to undergo a relatively invasive lumbar puncture . The Foundation is pouring resources into the development of less invasive tests that can be carried out in blood or skin instead , and these are expected soon . Tests also are in the works that go beyond the aSyn-SAA ’ s current “ yes-or-no ” binary readout for whether a person has PD ’ s clumped alpha-synuclein . Such a test , which scientists deem “ quantitative ,” would help reveal where people are along the
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