Diagnostic test developed for neurodegenerative disease

A new diagnostic blood test said to identify neurodegenerative disease and distinguish between Parkinson's and Alzheimer's could be launched in the US market by the end of this year, reports reveal.

At present, with no diagnostic test available, neurodegenerative diseases are diagnosed solely on clinical symptoms, the Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) reported.

Oklahoma-based proteomics company Power3 Medical Products announced plans to launch the test for retail by the fourth quarter of this year.

While the test has been welcomed by the Parkinson's Disease Society, particularly for its use in monitoring disease progression and assessing drug effectiveness, director of research at the society Kieran Breen has stated that larger studies need to be conducted.

Susan Sorensen, head of research at the UK Alzheimer's Society, commented: "The method, known as proteomics, involves analyzing proteins in the blood although it remains unclear which group of proteins gives the definitive signs of Alzheimer's disease… Some suggest Alzheimer's, for example, is too complex to be identified in this way."

The number of Britons expected to be living with dementia in less than 20 years time is set to rise to more than one million people.