Study finds that typing speed could indicate Parkinson’s

News

Author: Roisin McCormackPublished: 26 September 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

New research from Charles Sturt University, Queensland, Australia, has suggested that a person’s typing speed could be an early indicator of Parkinson’s.

As part of the study, researchers used a computer programme to record the typing speed of 76 individuals – 27 of which had Parkinson’s – over a period of nine months.

Researchers found they were able to detect Parkinson’s with a 78% accuracy rate – as the speed at which participants used their keyboards indicated whether or not they had a tremor.

It is hoped that these findings will lead to the development of a diagnostic tool that will help medical professionals diagnose the condition in the future.

Warwick Adams, who authored the study, said: “The end-game is to develop a widely-available screening test for both GPs and individuals.”

To read more on this topic click here.

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

Share this story

Comments

The huge potential of nanotechnology on new Parkinson’s treatments

Can tiny mesh electronics revolutionise Parkinson’s treatments?

VIDEO: Parkinson’s stem cell treatments explained in just 90 seconds

Watch Professor Roger Barker explain new stem cell treatments

Tom Isaacs president of The Cure Parkinson’s Trust has died

"We're devastated but are focusing on his incredible achievements"

Can awakening dormant neurons reverse Parkinson’s motor symptoms?

Reawakening dormant neurons could help reverse Parkinson’s motor symptoms, researchers in South Korea have found. While Parkinson’s is typically believed to be caused by neuronal death, a new study – published in ‘Current Biology’ journal – suggests that dormant neurons could be another cause. After completing an animal test – which treated the subjects with two compounds that block dopamine-producing neurons from becoming dormant – the researchers found these neurons to be “awakened”, allowing them to resume dopamine production. The researchers hope that this will lead to a disease-modifying treatment, especially for people in the early stages of Parkinson’s. Hoon Ryu, a senior author of the study and researcher at KIST Brain Science Institute, South Korea, said: “This research refutes the common belief that there is no disease-modifying treatment for Parkinson’s due to its basis on neuronal cell death.”

Parkinson’s could be present from birth, study finds

Parkinson’s may be present from birth in younger people with the condition, new research has found. The study – conducted by Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre, US, and published in ‘Nature Medicine’ journal – used induced stem cells from people with young-onset Parkinson’s, to grow dopamine-producing neurons and observe them for early warning signs of the condition. An abnormal pile-up of protein was found during the neurons’ development, including alpha-synuclein; which occurs in Parkinson’s. The scientists conjecture that Parkinson’s symptoms appear when the pile-up continues over 20 or 30 years. The team also found that the drug PEP005 – currently used against skin precancers – could help treat the condition. Michele Tagliati, vice chair and professor at Cedars-Sinai’s Department of Neurology and the study’s co-author, said: “This exciting new research provides hope that one day we may be able to detect and take early action to prevent this disease in at-risk individuals.”…

Testing saliva can help diagnose Parkinson’s, study finds

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”.

All fields required

First name*
Last name*
Email address*
Enter Email Confirm Email
Country of residence*
About me*
- I have Parkinson's disease
- I am a partner / carer / family / friend of someone who has Parkinson's
- I am a healthcare professional with an interest in Parkinson's
- I work for a Parkinson's disease organisation
- Other
CAPTCHA
*
- By proceeding you agree to our
Email
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Study finds that typing speed could indicate Parkinson’s

News

Author: Roisin McCormackPublished: 26 September 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Advances

The huge potential of nanotechnology on new Parkinson’s treatments

Resources & Tools

VIDEO: Parkinson’s stem cell treatments explained in just 90 seconds

Perspectives

Tom Isaacs president of The Cure Parkinson’s Trust has died

Can awakening dormant neurons reverse Parkinson’s motor symptoms?

Parkinson’s could be present from birth, study finds

Testing saliva can help diagnose Parkinson’s, study finds

{title}

Subscribe

Study finds that typing speed could indicate Parkinson’s

News

Author: Roisin McCormackPublished: 26 September 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Advances

The huge potential of nanotechnology on new Parkinson’s treatments

Resources & Tools

VIDEO: Parkinson’s stem cell treatments explained in just 90 seconds

Perspectives

Tom Isaacs president of The Cure Parkinson’s Trust has died

Can awakening dormant neurons reverse Parkinson’s motor symptoms?

Parkinson’s could be present from birth, study finds

Testing saliva can help diagnose Parkinson’s, study finds

{title}

Subscribe

Sign in