Parkinsons disease. Breath test diagnosis

[Cleoriff]

Fascinating research with a small trial group has produced results that show soon Parkinsons disease could be diagnosed by using a simple breath test.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive condition where there is gradual loss of nerve cells from the brain.

The test looks for a unique signature of chemicals in exhaled breath.

Small studies in volunteers have begun and early findings suggest the test can identify those with the debilitating brain condition.

The charity Parkinson's UK and experts at the University of Cambridge were intrigued by these early findings and are now setting out to do a bigger study involving 200 volunteers from England

I will be following this trial with interest. My father had Parkinsons. He was diagnosed far too late for any treatment to be beneficial. We have been struggling for years to find a definitive diagnostic test for this major debilitating condition. I hope this simple test is the way forward

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-31364407

http://www.parkinsons.org.uk/news/10-february-2015/breath-test-could-detect-parkinsons

[MI5]

I never cease to be amazed by these kind of reports.
It's incredible what they can do now......

[Beenherebefore]

I thought the report that I saw on TV said it could diagnose early stage lung cancer.

[Cleoriff]

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@Beenherebefore wrote:

I thought the report that I saw on TV said it could diagnose early stage lung cancer.

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There is a breathalyser test which should be able to diagnose lung cancer...and stomach and bowel cancers

It sniffs out chemicals associated with a number of these cancers. It will be used in two NHS hospitals this summer, as part of a £1 million clinical trial (Brilliant news)

Obviously the one for Parkinsons will be detecting different chemicals relating to brain degeneration..

[Bambino]

Wow. Technology making our lives better and better.

[Anonymous]

Amazing to think they can identify it just by the chemical 'signature' of a persons breath. No invasive tests/scans etc. 

Is there a possibility if they figure out more 'signatures' that even more things could be diagnosed without expensive tests/biopsy's etc?

[Cleoriff]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Amazing to think they can identify it just by the chemical 'signature' of a persons breath. No invasive tests/scans etc. 

Is there a possibility if they figure out more 'signatures' that even more things could be diagnosed without expensive tests/biopsy's etc?

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I think this is only the start Phill. As beenherebefore mentioned we have similar breath test trials starting later this year in two hospitals These will assist with diagnosis of cancers (lung, bowel and stomach at present)..

[MI5]

But.... what about the possibility of gene-locus mutagenics in suspect chemical variations....?
Would that be of benefit or a hinderance to this research?

[Cleoriff]

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@MI5 wrote:
But.... what about the possibility of gene-locus mutagenics in suspect chemical variations....?
Would that be of benefit or a hinderance to this research?

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Now how did I know YOU would ask that?

I have no idea... being just a humble nurse. However if ever I am in contact with Professor Booth who is leading the research project I will be sure to ask him on your behalf....

[jonsie]

Medical research has been going on for what seems my lifetime but the breakthroughs this last year or so so are tremendous advancements.