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New Zealand scientists are celebrating a major advancement in Parkinson's research, which is hoped will improve the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, and even stop full-blown symptoms developing for those newly diagnosed.
A new test has been developed that detects abnormal α-synuclein, the main protein in Parkinson's disease, before a patients starts to display typical symptoms, such as tremors, shaking, poor balance and mood changes.
Early detection has a major impact on improving outcomes, and the potential of the test is being viewed as a game-changer in Parkinsons' research and care.
About 12,000 New Zealanders live with Parkinsons, and that number is rising steadily year-on-year.
The proportion being diagnosed with early-onset Parkinsons is rising even faster - that's patients being diagnosed in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
Kathryn speaks with Dr Victor Dieriks, who leads the Synuclein group at the University of Auckland, which is part of the global effort to develop this α-synuclein test.
