Jerusalem, April 12
Israeli researchers have developed a new RNA-based blood test for detecting Parkinson's disease long before symptoms emerge.
Parkinson's is often diagnosed only after significant brain damage has occurred, when most relevant neurons are already lost, underscoring the need for early detection.
The new method, detailed in the journal Nature Aging, measures specific RNA fragments in the blood, news agency reported.
It focuses on two key biomarkers: a repetitive RNA sequence that accumulates in Parkinson's patients, and mitochondrial RNA -- which declines as the disease progresses, said the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU).
By measuring the ratio between these fragments, the test can identify the disease in its early stages.
"This discovery represents a major advancement in our understanding of Parkinson's disease and offers a simple, minimally invasive blood test as a tool for early diagnosis," said Prof. Hermona Soreq from the varsity.