Research project
The Parkinsons Project
Pre Diagnostic’s application “Parkinson’s Disease Early Detection” was selected in 2022 by the Norwegian Research Council for funding the development of a new blood test for Parkinson’s disease. The four-year project builds on experience acquired through the development of PreADx. This project will leverage some of the same core technological principles but also introduce new assay technologies like seed amplification detection.
Parkinsons disease is a complex, multi-system progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement by causing shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination. The neuropsychiatric symptoms, which usually occur at later stages of the disease, manifest as cognitive defects, specifically slowness, disrupted sleep, and sensory disturbances, leading to patients becoming passive and withdrawn. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the world and affects ~1-2% of the population above the age of 65¹. The prevalence increases as the population ages.
The diagnostic process involves clinical evaluation and a neurological test battery, and currently no specific and definitive test exists in the prodromal phase. At least two of the cardinal symptoms (tremors, rigidity, slow motion) are needed for a diagnosis. Prodromal symptoms include REM-sleep behaviour disorder, olfactory symptoms, constipation and depression, and most patients have visual changes and autonomic symptoms. However, the accuracy of these symptoms is insufficient². Under the current diagnostic regime, 60 to 70% of relevant neurons are dead upon diagnosis, thus limiting any pharmacological effects of treatment to the remaining cells. Earlier PD detection is needed to pave the way for major advances in disease modifying therapies (DMTs).
(1) Yang, W. et al. Current and projected future economic burden of Parkinson’s disease in the U.S.. npj Parkinsons Dis. 6, 15 (2020).
(2) Hayes MT. Parkinson's Disease and Parkinsonism. Am J Med. 2019 Jul;132(7):802-807.
