The nurse who “smelled” Parkinson’s on her husband helps develop the diagnostic test

Manchester researchers found that the disease can be identified using skin oils

A test for the diagnosis of Parkinson’s which takes only three minutes was developed by researchers at the University of Manchester in the UK. Published in the scientific journal Journal of the American Chemical Society, the work was inspired by retired nurse Joy Milne. You have hereditary hyperosmia, a condition characterized by a smell very accurate and can identify patients with the disease only by smell.

It all started when Joy’s late husband Les was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. They began attending patient support associations and living with other people with the disease, which gradually impairs movement-related brain functions. Then Joy noticed that they all smelled the same unusual smell she had smelled on her husband for 12 years, long before her first symptoms showed.

She discussed the fact with a researcher and was involved in research that sought to assess whether her olfactory abilities could be used to identify the disease early, which would benefit treatment. The smell felt by the Scot was greatest in the patients’ back region, which is washed less frequently.

The alteration of sebum production by the sebaceous glands is a feature often seen in those who are diagnosed, who now have oilier skin. Research has found that sebum could be used to identify the high molecular weight lipids that are most active in people with Parkinson’s.

how the test works

The basic principle of the test is to analyze the mass and chemical composition of the sebum molecules using a technique called mass spectrometry. For this, part of the substance is collected from the patient’s back in a simple and non-invasive way, using a swab of cotton.

The tallow is then placed on a paper filter and subjected to a drop of solvent and electrical voltage, which transfers its components to the mass spectrometer. According to the researchers, of the 4,000 compounds found in the solution, about 500 are different between people with and without Parkinson’s disease.

The next step for the research team is to make the test a clinical method for diagnosing the disorder. “This study has the potential to greatly improve the diagnosis and treatment of people with Parkinson’s disease,” study clinical coordinator Monty Silverdale said in a University of Manchester statement. To date, there is still no single test on the market capable of making the diagnosis alone.

‘We are extremely excited about these results, which bring us one step closer to creating a test for Parkinson’s that can be used in clinical practice,’ said Professor Perdita Barran, who led the research. According to the scientists, the findings also open up new possibilities, such as identifying other diseases through sebum analysis, which they found to be an efficient biofluid for diagnosis.

Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system. Chronic and progressive, it occurs when there is a significant decrease in the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter substance that helps the cells of the nervous system carry messages between them.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1% of the world population over the age of 65 live with the disease, which causes symptoms such as difficulty moving, tremors and muscle stiffness. There is no cure, but drugs to replace dopamine are part of the treatment.

Diagnosis is based on clinical analysis, symptoms presented, and patient history. Computed tomography and MRI examinations can be done for differential diagnosis, which rules out other possibilities of diseases.

Source: Terra

Benjamin

Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.