Predicting Dementia With New Parkinson's Test

Denver, Colorado, POSTED: 4:30 pm MDT July 29, 2011

RESEARCH SUMMARY

Background: Parkinson's disease is a disorder that affects nerve cells in the portion of the brain that controls muscle movement. These nerve cells create a chemical called dopamine, which will die or stop functioning properly. Dopamine is significant to the body because it sends signals from the brain to help coordinate movement. Parkinson's patients often experience a series of symptoms such as tremors, rigid movements, and loss of mental functions. As symptoms worsen, people with the disease may have trouble walking, talking or performing simple tasks. They may also have problems such as depression, sleep deprivation or trouble chewing, swallowing or speaking. Parkinson's is one of a larger group of neurological conditions known as motor system disorders. Historians say the disease dates back as far as 5000 B.C. It was first described as "the shaking palsy" in 1817 by British doctor James Parkinson. (SOURCE: www.parkinsons.org)

Physical And Mental Impact: Parkinson's disease affects one in every 100 Americans over the age of 60. Along with its debilitating physical effects, many patients will develop mental decay. Studies are suggesting that a protein in the blood may confirm which patients have the highest risk of developing dementia.

New Test: Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine examined 150 different proteins in the blood. They found one called epidermal growth factor, or EGF, may predict a patient's cognitive function. EGF is a growth factor that plays an important role in the regulation of cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. Patients who had low EGF levels were much more likely to develop dementia. Dr. Alice Chen-Plotkin of Udall Center for Parkinson's Research at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine says if doctors can determine a patient's dementia risk, it could expedite clinical trials of new therapies.

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