Key points from article :
A blood test that can detect Parkinson’s disease could be a step towards finding a cure for the condition.
The test looks for damage to DNA in mitochondria, which are small energy-producing structures found in cells.
It could help to diagnose Parkinson's disease earlier, which could lead to better treatments.
Test could also determine the effectiveness of a therapy targeting the mutation.
“This assay could not only diagnose Parkinson’s, but also identify drugs that reverse or halt mitochondrial DNA damage and the disease process," - Laurie Sanders, lead author of the study.
Research by Duke Health, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
