Parkinson’s disease detectable before physical symptoms show, Australian research finds

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Australian researchers have developed a way of highlighting changes in the brain that mark the progression of Parkinson’s disease years before physical symptoms show.

Researchers at the Florey Institute and Austin Health in Melbourne have shown it is possible to detect signs of Parkinson’s disease, a debilitating neurodegenerative condition, by injecting patients with a synthetic compound, known as 18F-AV-133, designed to bind to a protein in the brain known as VMAT2.

 

There is significant evidence that deficiency of VMAT2, an essential protein for neurotransmitter regulation, is linked to Parkinson’s disease.The F-AV-133 compound becomes concentrated in areas of the brain where VMAT2 is active, with researchers then able to conduct a PET scan to capture images that show the strength and areas of VMAT2 activity in the brain, creating an imaging biomarker.

The researchers studied 26 patients with Parkinson’s disease, a control group of 12 people, and 11 people with Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder, which is a significant indicator of Parkinson’s disease. Each person undertook two PET scans two years apart.

 

The were no significant changes in clinical symptoms in any of the participants according to currently available assessments for Parkinson’s disease, which involve asking people questions about their symptoms.

By contrast, the PET scans showed significant neuronal loss in three key regions of the brain in individuals with Parkinson’s disease, and in one key area of the brain in those with REM disorder, suggesting F-AV-133 is a more sensitive means of monitoring neurodegeneration.

The findings were published in the international journal Neurology on Thursday.

 

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[scubascuba3]

Good you can find out then you can have a long hard think whether you want to put yourself through all the symptoms

[tandor]

18 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Good you can find out then you can have a long hard think whether you want to put yourself through all the symptoms

Insurance companies are going to love this..another pre-existing condition to declare.

[Jing Joe]

A long time friend died a very very painful death recently from Parkinsons. He opted for the "morphine relief" for his end but was still in incredible pain apparently.

Voluntary Assisted Dying  is available in some countries.

[Purdey]

What's the point in knowing even further ahead that you're going to die? Useless unless there is a cure. 

[impulse]

1 minute ago, Purdey said:

What's the point in knowing even further ahead that you're going to die? Useless unless there is a cure. 

Think of the $$ billions they'll make treating them that much longer.

 

Years ago, I remember reading about a cancer diagnosis breakthrough that led to longer survival.  Later studies showed that people died just as fast, they just knew about it longer.  And the average treatment cost went from $10,000 to well over $250,000, simply because they were being treated for years instead of months.  And that was decades ago, when healthcare was almost affordable.

 

I hope this is meaningful for Parkinson's patients.  But I'm skeptical.

 

[Purdey]

1 minute ago, impulse said:

Think of the $$ billions they'll make treating them that much longer.

Yes I imagine the insurance companies are clapping their hands in joy.

[impulse]

6 minutes ago, Purdey said:

Yes I imagine the insurance companies are clapping their hands in joy.

Insurance works on pretty much a cost plus model.  They'll do okay once they jack up their rates.

 

Big Pharma's going to make a killing.

 

[impulse]

5 hours ago, tandor said:

Insurance companies are going to love this..another pre-existing condition to declare.

Imagine the quandary that puts patients in... 

 

Do I get the diagnosis knowing that will lock me out of any life changes that may require me to change insurance providers?

 

[Datsun 1200]

With all the money Michael J Fox, M Ali etc have raised, I wondered if we/they would see a breakthrough in Parkinsons in my/his lifetime. Seems we will!  Good luck to you MJ Fox!!

 

IH

[Wanderer555]

29 minutes ago, impulse said:

Think of the $$ billions they'll make treating them that much longer.

 

Years ago, I remember reading about a cancer diagnosis breakthrough that led to longer survival.  Later studies showed that people died just as fast, they just knew about it longer.  And the average treatment cost went from $10,000 to well over $250,000, simply because they were being treated for years instead of months.  And that was decades ago, when healthcare was almost affordable.

 

I hope this is meaningful for Parkinson's patients.  But I'm skeptical.

 

Unlike other diseases, the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease is widely variable among patients. 

The onset of Pain is one of the symptoms not often discussed in traditional medicine but can be one of the more debilitating symptoms. 

Additionally, some may be diagnosed and deteriorate quickly, while others can lead a long productive life while managing the daily fluctuations of symptoms. 
 

Lifestyle choices and attitude can often help the afflicted with some dramatically slowing the progression of PD. 
 

Personally, I was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease at age 43, with doctors recommending I get Deep Brain Stimulation surgery within 2 years of my Dx.  I rejected this and decided on a more holistic approach. 
 

After, making significant changes to my lifestyle, I have been able to push back the symptoms and lead a slower but normal life. Admittedly, it may get me in the end but hopefully not anytime soon. 
 

For me, I would have appreciated having a diagnostic tool to assist me as I had symptoms 10 years prior to my diagnoses that could of helped my condition greatly.

 

Knowing the Beast is a major step in adaptation of life and treatment. 
 

cheers 

 

 

[Wanderer555]

25 minutes ago, Datsun 1200 said:

With all the money Michael J Fox, M Ali etc have raised, I wondered if we/they would see a breakthrough in Parkinsons in my/his lifetime. Seems we will!  Good luck to you MJ Fox!!

 

IH

MJF has done a great job in both advocating for PD patients and research.  Much has been accomplished in understanding the disease but effective treatment continues to elude the medical community. 
 

Your sentiments are correct and hopefully a treatment in on the horizon…????

[Wanderer555]

57 minutes ago, Purdey said:

What's the point in knowing even further ahead that you're going to die? Useless unless there is a cure. 

In regards to PD, knowing the beast can be an important step in the reduction of severity of symptoms. 
Currently there are over 200 distinct symptoms that can be presented by PD patients. 
 

Knowledge and attitude can have a significant difference in the PD patients quality of life. ????

[scubascuba3]

6 hours ago, tandor said:

Insurance companies are going to love this..another pre-existing condition to declare.

Health insurance companies won't cover it, a bottomless pit

[scubascuba3]

1 hour ago, Purdey said:

What's the point in knowing even further ahead that you're going to die? Useless unless there is a cure. 

Not really, it can be a slow painful torturous death so you could choose to end it early to save the suffering 

[Datsun 1200]

And if you are going to "end it early" for Gods sake, read Final Exit

The Practicalities of Self-Deliverance and Assisted Suicide for the Dying, 3rd Edition https://a.co/d/9LPUQcE

It always makes me sad to hear of people jumping from balconies, hangings, overdoses and blowing brains out etc. Total lack of research, see above ......

Final Exit is painless and dignified. It replaced The Hemlock Society (if the pain got too bad you took the poison Hemlock) but suicide can/should be much more civilized these days....

 

IH

[DJ54]

I go to Government Hospital in Udon Thani they’ve always discussed estimated costs prior and never was it exceeded.  Dr. wanted to change.ongoing heart medicine that was a bit higher. We discussed it and Dr. asked if price was ok and within budget . 
 

I’ve had nothing but good treatment at the Government hospital and feel fortunate no issues.