White blood cells could help diagnose people at risk of Parkinson’s, study finds

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Author: Saskia MairPublished: 30 April 2020

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Scientists in the US have found additional evidence for the link between immune cells and Parkinson’s – alongside signs of autoimmunity present in individuals years before their Parkinson’s diagnosis.

The study – conducted by researchers from La Jolla Institute for Immunology and Columbia University Irving Medical Center, US – revealed a higher count of T cells (a type of white blood cell) in participants at the time of diagnosis but showed that few still had these cells 10 years later.

Dr Alessandro Sette, who co-led the study, said: “This tells us that detection of T cell responses could help in the diagnosis of people at risk or in early stages of [Parkinson’s] disease development.

“Importantly, we could dream of a scenario where early interference with T cell responses could prevent the disease from manifesting itself or progressing.”

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

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White blood cells could help diagnose people at risk of Parkinson’s, study finds

News

Author: Saskia MairPublished: 30 April 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Parkinson’s in the news: September

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Comedian Rob Deering on raising nearly £100,000 for Parkinson’s UK

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Brush up on your Parkinson’s terminology with this free glossary

Could Parkinson’s disease originate in the gut?

Is dry eye disease common in people with Parkinson’s?

Highlighting dental care needs among people with Parkinson’s disease

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White blood cells could help diagnose people at risk of Parkinson’s, study finds

News

Author: Saskia MairPublished: 30 April 2020

Last Month

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Global update

Parkinson’s in the news: September

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Comedian Rob Deering on raising nearly £100,000 for Parkinson’s UK

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Brush up on your Parkinson’s terminology with this free glossary

Could Parkinson’s disease originate in the gut?

Is dry eye disease common in people with Parkinson’s?

Highlighting dental care needs among people with Parkinson’s disease

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