Early Diagnosis of Parkinson
The diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease(PD) at the earlier stages is becoming exceedingly important as 60% of the dopaminergic neurons are most times destroyed before neurologist can actually confirm the diagnosis. The identification of patients at risk at earlier stages is crucial to effectively slow down the progression of the disease in its later stages by the use of neurotherapeutics. The development of disease-modifying therapeutics becomes difficult in later stages making a socio-economic burden and serious challenge for the public health system. Although Parkinson’s disease has no actual cure, with the use of biomarkers and different imaging techniques we are able to monitor the growth of this disease.
In recent years, early diagnosis of Parkinson’s has become a major priority as it has possibility to express similar results to other neurodegenerative diseases. Currently some simple methods of diagnosing Parkinson is monitoring the Olfactory nerve, and observing a disturbance in the REM sleep cycle. These observations are external to common tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability.
This video builds an understanding of how diagnosing Parkinson at an early stage is a difficult task and the limitations associated with the feat.
In recent years, early diagnosis of Parkinson’s has become a major priority as it has possibility to express similar results to other neurodegenerative diseases. Currently some simple methods of diagnosing Parkinson is monitoring the Olfactory nerve, and observing a disturbance in the REM sleep cycle. These observations are external to common tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability.
This video builds an understanding of how diagnosing Parkinson at an early stage is a difficult task and the limitations associated with the feat.
![Picture](/uploads/2/4/8/5/24853721/8474596.gif?323)
Imaging Approaches to Parkinson
To assess Parkinson on a molecular level, clinics follow the pathway shown to the left in which, symptoms associated with Parkinson are evaluated and certain tests are done to gain a better understanding of the stage of the disease. Starting with tremor, stiffness, and slowed overall response, neurologist first perform an MRI to evaluate any structural lesions. If lesion is present then alternate tests can be performed, or the neurologist continue forward to assess the concentration of Dopamine and Dopamine Receptors. The patient would have to undergo a PET (Positron Emmision Tomography) scan to test the aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) activity and dopamine transporter (DAT) activity. AADC is the enzyme responsible for the conversion of L-Dopa to Dopaminergic Neurons. Since PET scans are relatively expensive, patients tend to use SPECT, which performs similarly in diagnosising Dopamine receptors. Alternately, a imaging technique that is relatively new to the field of Parkinson is DATscan.
To assess Parkinson on a molecular level, clinics follow the pathway shown to the left in which, symptoms associated with Parkinson are evaluated and certain tests are done to gain a better understanding of the stage of the disease. Starting with tremor, stiffness, and slowed overall response, neurologist first perform an MRI to evaluate any structural lesions. If lesion is present then alternate tests can be performed, or the neurologist continue forward to assess the concentration of Dopamine and Dopamine Receptors. The patient would have to undergo a PET (Positron Emmision Tomography) scan to test the aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) activity and dopamine transporter (DAT) activity. AADC is the enzyme responsible for the conversion of L-Dopa to Dopaminergic Neurons. Since PET scans are relatively expensive, patients tend to use SPECT, which performs similarly in diagnosising Dopamine receptors. Alternately, a imaging technique that is relatively new to the field of Parkinson is DATscan.
![Picture](/uploads/2/4/8/5/24853721/2687018.jpg?500)
DaTscan - Dopamine Imaging
DaTscan is the first FDA-approved radiopharmaceutical adjunct imaging technique to help physicians evaluate patients with suspected PD. With the use of the contrasting agent Ioflupane, neurologist are now able to image the concentration of Dopamine levels available in the brain. Since this is a disorder that kills neurotransmitter such as Dopamine, we are able to monitor the stages of the disorder as it progresses in relation to the concentration of Dopamine. One drawback to this method, is its relatively hard to differentiate between disorders as many neurodegenerative disorders are caused by the destroying of Dopamine. Disorders such as psychosis, abnormal conditions of the mind, is related to lack of Dopamine receptors in postsynaptic neuron.
DaTscan is the first FDA-approved radiopharmaceutical adjunct imaging technique to help physicians evaluate patients with suspected PD. With the use of the contrasting agent Ioflupane, neurologist are now able to image the concentration of Dopamine levels available in the brain. Since this is a disorder that kills neurotransmitter such as Dopamine, we are able to monitor the stages of the disorder as it progresses in relation to the concentration of Dopamine. One drawback to this method, is its relatively hard to differentiate between disorders as many neurodegenerative disorders are caused by the destroying of Dopamine. Disorders such as psychosis, abnormal conditions of the mind, is related to lack of Dopamine receptors in postsynaptic neuron.