Parkinson’s Disease could be diagnosed with skin swab tests, Manchester scientists discover
Scientists at the University of Manchester have made a “game-changing” breakthrough by discovering that Parkinson’s Disease could be diagnosed using a simple skin swab test.
Scientists at the University of Manchester have made a “game-changing” breakthrough by discovering that Parkinson’s Disease could be diagnosed using a simple skin swab test.
Results published this week showed that Parkinson’s sufferers may produce higher amounts of a substance called sebum – which coats and protects the skin.
A swab test can detect these compounds; and may help researchers determine whether new treatments are able to slow, stop or reverse the progression of the disease.
The study was funded following the case of Joy Milne – a woman who stunned scientists by revealing she could detect Parkinson’s disease through smell.
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Joy told researchers that she could smell a “musky” odour on her husband Les – who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s years later.
Professor Perdita Barran, Professor of Mass Spectrometry at UoM, said the results were “an extremely encouraging step” towards tests that could be used to help diagnose and monitor Parkinson’s.
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“Not only is the test quick, simple and painless but it should also be extremely cost-effective because it uses existing technology that is already widely available,” said the professor.
“We are now looking to take our findings forwards to refine the test to improve accuracy even further and to take steps towards making this a test that can be used in the NHS and to develop more precise diagnostics and better treatment for this debilitating condition.”
Parkinson’s can be difficult to diagnose / Image: Pixabay
Parkinson’s UK analysis suggests that 1 in 37 people will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s in their lifetime.
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The onset of the disease – which sees the sufferer develop a range of physical symptoms such as tremors and stiff, slow movements – is often gradual; worsening over a period of months and years.
The condition can be difficult to diagnose, too.
In a recent survey of more than 2,000 people with Parkinson’s, more than a quarter revealed they were initially misdiagnosed with a different condition.
It took four years for Daxa Kalayci, 56, to be given an accurate diagnosis of Parkinson’s.
“Despite my diagnosis eventually being confirmed by a DaTscan, a quick and simple diagnostic test for Parkinson’s would have given me the chance to start my treatment earlier and enjoy life a lot more,” said Daxa.
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“But instead, I lost so many years not being able to pursue a career as a paramedic or go back to nursing.
“This test could be a game-changer for people living with Parkinson’s and searching for answers like I was.”
Professor David Dexter, Associate Director of Research at Parkinson’s UK said that two more people in the UK are diagnosed with Parkinson’s every hour – and the COVID-19 pandemic has increased complications with regards to delays and misdiagnoses.
However, he called the new results “significant” in the bid to revolutionise Parkinson’s treatment.
The Professor added: “With this innovative test, we could see people being diagnosed quickly and accurately enabling them to access vital treatment and support to manage their Parkinson’s symptoms sooner.”
News
Married at First Sight star George Roberts reportedly arrested
Daisy Jackson
George Roberts, a contestant on the current series of Married At First Sight, has reportedly been arrested.
The 40-year-old is being investigated for allegations of ‘controlling and coercive behaviour’.
The father-of-four, who was matched with April Banbury on the hit reality show, has had three ex-girlfriends come forward to raise concerns, reports The Sun.
Roberts has denied the allegations, with a representative telling the paper he finds them ‘deeply upsetting and does not condone abuse nor behaves in that way’.
He has still appeared on the show on E4 as planned tonight, as all episodes are pre-recorded.
This series of Married at First Sight has followed 16 individuals, who are matched up by relationship experts and don’t actually meet until they’re standing at the alter – though the marriages aren’t actually legally binding.
The Met Police confirmed a 40-year-old had been arrested – an arrest that The Sun has linked to Roberts.
A statement said: “A 40-year-old man was arrested in Worcestershire on Thursday, September 29, on suspicion of controlling and coercive behaviour.
“He was taken to a police station and bailed pending further enquiries.”
Speaking about the allegations when they initially surfaced, a spokesperson from Channel 4 (who run E4), said: “We work incredibly closely with our production partners to ensure all Married at First Sight UK contributors are subject to rigorous background and psychological checks, including the most detailed police checks a production is able to undertake.
“Any allegations of this nature are taken extremely seriously by Channel 4.”
You can get a free therapy session in Manchester on World Mental Health Awareness Day 2022
Daisy Jackson
Monday will mark World Mental Health Awareness Day 2022, and a new high street mental health service will be offering free therapy sessions here in Manchester.
Locals will be able to spend 30 minutes with Self Space’s qualified experts, to reflect, reconnect, and maybe just find out what therapy is all about.
The free sessions will be taking place at Feel Good Club in the Northern Quarter, a cafe that was set up with a focus on well-being (as well as belting sandwiches).
Self Space itself was founded in 2019 and has just expanded into Manchester, with four stylish and welcoming therapy rooms in Ducie House.
The aim is to create a simple, straightforward, modern and flexible approach to therapy.
Self Space has opened in Manchester and is doing pop-up therapy sessions at Feel Good Club. Credit: Supplied
Founder Jodie Cariss says she wants to make therapy as ‘everyday as going to the gym, getting a haircut or grabbing a coffee’.
There are loads of barriers and reasons that prevent people from seeking mental health help, whether it’s long waiting lists or expensive therapy sessions.
At conventional mental health services, there’s an average waitlist of four months.
But at Self Space’s high street therapy centres – in London, Brighton, and now another here in Manchester – you can see a therapist the same day as booking, seven days a week.
A 70-strong clinical team of multi-disciplined therapists makes it all possible.
And that’s another thing that sets Self Space apart – you can be paired with a therapist that is the right fit for you using their free therapist-matching service, saving you scrolling endlessly through directories.
There are other barriers standing between people and the mental health help they need, beyond the logistics of actually getting an appointment.
Some people will be put off by the fear of the unknown. Others might not feel ‘low enough’ to seek professional advice.
The pop-up therapy sessions will open the door to the benefits of seeking professional help.
One in four of us will experience a mental health condition at some point in our lives, so the free Self Space pop-up is a brilliant chance to see how you can arm yourself with the tools and professional help that could make the world of difference.
Their therapy sessions encourage a Mental Maintenance approach which will support you when life gets a bit messy, whether it’s burnout, stress, anxiety, grief or something else.
The pop-up, free therapy sessions will take place at Feel Good Club in the Northern Quarter in Manchester on Monday 10 October. You can book your session here.
The Manc -
11th March 2021 
