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.
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
“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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
“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
The simple hack that can save healthcare workers and teachers money on their holidays
Danny Jones
With cost-of-living pressure ever-present in the background of most everyday lives, finding some spare pennies for a getaway feels more difficult than ever, and if there’s anyone who deserves discounts on a holiday, it’s healthcare workers.
That’s why, when we became aware of the simple hack that can save those working in healthcare services money on holidays, we thought we’d help spread the word.
We’re sure lots of you working within the sector already know plenty about this booking strategy, but for anyone who doesn’t, how do you fancy saving up to half a grand on your next jolly?
In fact, even those working in education can cut their costs, too.
With searches for ‘holiday voucher code’ up by 73% on Google, and even the likes of TikTok seeing ‘money saving tips’ up by 45%, travel agency TUI have decided to team up with the Health Service Discounts platform for 2026.
Providing those who work for the NHS with a ‘Holidays for Heroes’ (HfH) access code on various popular peak-season trips, this exclusive discount can be added on top of all other seasonal TUI deals, including the company’s ‘First Choice’ package holidays.
With the HfH code alone guaranteeing workers an extra £100 off their bookings, play your cards right, and you could get up to £500 in total discounts overall.
How to access the healthcare ‘Holidays for Heroes’ deal
Separate from standard Blue Light card savings, here’s how it works, and don’t worry, it’s all very simple:
As mentioned, education workers can also benefit from similar money off, with an extra £50 per person through the TUI x Discounts for Teachers partnership, as well.
Ella Foden-Lynch, Partnerships Manager for TUI, said in a statement: “Getting away is absolutely vital for wellbeing, especially for those working in high-stress healthcare and education roles.
“With the cost-of-living crisis still putting a strain on household budgets, we know how hard it is to stretch your pay to cover a much-needed family break. By unlocking these exclusive TUI deals, we hope to give our key workers the realistic recovery time they deserve without the financial worry.”
So, for those of you healthcare heroes and teachers looking for a well-deserved break, we urge you to find an affordable holiday that suits you very soon. With cheaper airport pints also inbound later this year, here’s hoping you save even more spends for when you’re away.
New ‘cutting-edge’ cancer treatment to be rolled out on NHS from next week
Emily Sergeant
A new ‘cutting-edge’ cancer treatment is set to be rolled out on the NHS from next week.
Thousands of men with prostate cancer are to be offered high-powered ‘precision’ radiotherapy on the NHS to target the disease more effectively – helping reduce side-effects and spare them 15 courses of treatment.
The highly targeted SABR (stereotactic ablative radiotherapy) delivers radiotherapy to the tumour from many different directions to help reduce the risk of cancer spreading or returning.
SABR has been proven to be effective at far fewer doses than conventional radiotherapy.
Standard radiotherapy can often be a major burden for patients and loved ones, due to the substantial treatment and travel time involved, but SABR is typically delivered in just five doses within a fortnight, compared to at least 20 doses with external beam radiotherapy.
Thousands of men with prostate cancer are to be offered high-powered ‘precision’ radiotherapy on the NHS to target the disease more effectively, helping reduce side-effects and spare them 15 courses of treatment.
Around 17,500 men are diagnosed with low or intermediate risk prostate cancer in England each year and could be offered the option of SABR radiotherapy.
It is expected that the cutting-edge technique for localised prostate cancer will be offered at all 48 radiotherapy providers across England in the coming days – with the first centres making it available on the NHS from next week.
The roll-out could free up around 50,000 appointments for prostate cancer treatment each year, helping the NHS continue to bring down waiting times for patients.
NHS chief executive, Sir Jim Mackey, said the news will ‘transform’ treatment for thousands of men with localised prostate cancer.
“This cutting-edge approach will transform treatment for thousands of men with prostate cancer, helping the NHS provide far more powerful and convenient care to stop their cancer spreading,” Sir Mackey commented.
“Having been proven effective in keeping cancer under control, this technology will not only help reduce the risk of certain side effects but also the major ‘to-and-fro’ burden of hospital treatment, which can be really draining for so many patients and their families.”
The Manc -
11th March 2021 
