3-minute test detects Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s disease can make daily life extremely difficult.

The tremors, difficulty standing, and involuntary movements are just a few of the debilitating symptoms that can interfere with daily activities.

And researchers now say the number of Parkinson’s cases will skyrocket to 1.2 million by the year 2030.

But the news around Parkinson’s isn’t all doom-and-gloom…

You see, while there’s no cure in sight, the countless Americans at risk for Parkinson’s could finally get a leg up on facing – and treating – the disease before it takes hold of your quality of life!

And all you may need is three minutes of your time.

Let me explain.

According to a study recently published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, researchers from the University of Manchester (UK) have developed a three-minute swab test to detect Parkinson’s disease.

We’ve all done plenty of “swabs” in the age of COVID-19, but this innovative swab test could be a valuable weapon in the fight against Parkinson’s.

The study sampled 79 people with Parkinson’s and compared the results with a healthy control group of 71 people.

A cotton swab was used to test the sebum from each participant. Sebum is an oily secretion from sebaceous glands under the skin and is linked to the endocrine system and commonly collects on peoples’ backs making the sampling procedure simple and non-invasive.

Altered sebum production is a well-recognized feature of Parkinson’s disease, and by using the swab analysis, the researchers found that sebum can be used as a diagnostic biofluid that could be used to positively identify Parkinson’s in very early stages.

And the earlier you can diagnose Parkinson’s… the earlier you can take steps to limit its damage.

This test is still in the clinical trial phase, but in the meantime, there are ways you can live a full, fruitful life with Parkinson’s.

Take spirulina for example. Spirulina is a blue-green algae that grows in both fresh and saltwater… and is believed to be one of the oldest life forms on Earth

Researchers believe spirulina contains an anti-inflammatory compound called C-phycocyanin (C-PC) that works to combat the inflammatory response linked to Parkinson’s.

Staying active and moving is also proven to be a great way to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Finally, if you have a history of Parkinson’s in your family, or are beginning to experience Parkinson’s-like symptoms, be sure to have a conversation with your doctor about a treatment plan that works best for you.

To fighting Parkinson’s,
Sarah Reagan

Sources:

MDLinx. “Parkinson’s breakthrough can diagnose disease from skin swabs in 3 minutes.” https://www.mdlinx.com/news/parkinson-and-8217-s-breakthrough-can-diagnose-disease-from-skin-swabs-in-3-minutes/4mpCppqZbtyAYLaxolP6XI