Blood Test to confirm neurodegenerative diseases
New Delhi, Wed, 9 Apr 2008 NI Wire


Many diseases can be cured if it can be diagnosed early but there are diseases that are detectable only after symptoms developed.



Recently a report published in Marina Murphy in SCI's Chemistry & Industry magazine asserts that a new blood test is on the way that will be able to detect the neurodegenerative disease.





According to Oklahoma-based Proteomics Company, Power3 Medical Products, the test called NuroPro would be launched first in Greece and later in US market.



Steve Rash, chief executive said, “There is currently no diagnostic test for any neurodegenerative disease on the market -- diagnoses are currently based solely on a clinical diagnosis of symptoms.”



Reportedly, Power 3 has patented several blood proteins associated with these disease, and the test NuroPro will 59 protein biomarkers, the relative levels of which can distinguish neurodegenerative disease (Parkinson’s , Alzheimer’s and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's disease).



The company boasts the test to be highly accurate; it claimed that in 180 tests conducted the success rate of detecting the disease, achieved was 60%.



Many organisations have welcomed the test but have cautioned that larger test is needed to confirm its usefulness in diagnosis.



According to UK Alzheimer's Society 700,000 people are living with dementia in the UK out of which 62 percent people suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.



Currently, two clinical validation studies of the blood test, NuroPro are on the go in the US and Greece.



Millions of people suffer from Alzheimer’s which is progressive and fatal brain disease, causing problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Parkinson's is another degenerative disease related central nervous system that often impairs the sufferer's motor skills and speech while Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a progressive, usually fatal, neurodegenerative disease caused by the degeneration of motor neurons, the nerve cells in the central nervous system that control voluntary muscle movement.



NuroPro blood test looks promising which if becomes successful will help those diagnosed and their families to prepare ahead the blow of the fatal diseases.

http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/3044