Ask the Expert: The Parkinson’s Biomarker with Professor David Finkelstein
Online Session via Zoom (map)
Wed 3rd May 2023, 5:30pm to 6:00pm (30 minutes)
Learn how the recent finding of the Parkinson's Biomarker will play a crucial role in future therapeutic development and supporting earlier diagnosis.
Parkinson’s is a complex condition to diagnose, up until now there has not been a test which will diagnose Parkinson’s. Currently Parkinson’s is diagnosed following a medical examination where the Doctor can identify symptoms which may relate Parkinson’s- this is referred to as a clinical diagnosis and does not have the level of accuracy of a test where a biomarker can be identified, providing a biological diagnosis.
The Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) supported by the Michael J Fox Foundation and many other partners has recently published research which has identified a Biomarker which is able to be detected in Cerebral Spinal fluid (CSF) supporting a test which can diagnose Parkinson’s with a high degree of accuracy.
This test takes some CSF via a Lumbar puncture and when examined a Biomarker which is a protein called Alpha Syncline can be detected, this protein is identified as being linked to Parkinson’s. The results indicate a high degree of accuracy in diagnosing sporadic or idiopathic Parkinson’s (80%) of Parkinson’s and in many genetic variants of Parkinson’s.
The research has also identified the biomarker is able to be detected prior to motor symptoms occurring and will help support an earlier and more accurate diagnosis of Parkinson’s.
This finding will play a crucial role in future therapeutic development in increasing accuracy of diagnosis for clinical trial and supporting earlier diagnosis.
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Professor David Finkelstein will join us for an extra special Ask the Expert to discuss this research and the impact it has on helping us to better understand Parkinson’s and its potential to assist in future treatment development |
