Testing saliva can help diagnose Parkinson’s, study finds

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Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 30 January 2020

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A saliva test carried out by doctors may be able to both diagnose Parkinson’s and detect the severity of the condition, according to a recent study published in medical journal ‘Neurological Sciences’.

Several indicators of the development of Parkinson’s, including problems in the production of energy, can be easily detected in saliva.

As part of the study, carried out by a team from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, saliva samples were collected from 76 patients living with Parkinson’s, and 37 participants with good general health.

They found that the saliva of those with Parkinson’s reflected evidence of alteration in neurotransmitters – chemical messengers that allow nerve cells to communicate.

The researchers said the test “may highlight the characteristic changes in metabolite levels during the onset of Parkinson’s”.

To read more on this topic click here.

For more information on Parkinson’s diagnosis please visit the EPDA website.

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Testing saliva can help diagnose Parkinson’s, study finds

News

Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 30 January 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Testing saliva can help diagnose Parkinson’s, study finds

News

Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 30 January 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

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Share this story

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Interviews

Meet Julie Dodd, director of digital transformation at Parkinson’s UK

Global update

Parkinson’s in the news: March

Europe

“A fundamental change in medical culture” is needed

New insights on immune cell process and Parkinson’s disease

Could analysing skin oil help diagnose Parkinson’s disease?

‘Sonic hedgehog’ protein could impact Parkinson’s disease dyskinesia

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