12 September 2024 News
Researchers have taken a step forward in the search for a faster diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND) with a new diagnostic blood test.
Published in Brain Communications today (13 September), the paper describes how researchers have identified a ’fingerprint’ of MND, also known as biomarker, which can be detected through a simple blood test.
Currently, people experiencing symptoms of MND have to go through a variety of tests, which can take months, to rule out other diseases before they are diagnosed with MND.
So far, this new test has been used to confirm MND in people already living with the disease. It has also been used to tell the difference between MND and two other neuromuscular diseases that can mimic MND (Primary Lateral Sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease) with an accuracy rate of up to 98%.
Further research is now needed to see if the test can be used at the start of the diagnostic process when a person first presents with possible MND symptoms.
The current process of being diagnosed with MND can be extremely worrying, time-consuming and stressful so this research identifying potential blood biomarkers for MND diagnosis is really encouraging. Further investigation will show whether this test can be used to tell the difference between MND and other neuromuscular diseases whose symptoms can also mimic MND, not just Primary Lateral Sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.
We’d like to get to a position where there is a simple test to speed up diagnosis of MND. Our hope, and that of the MND community, is that this research will lead to the development of that.
Earlier diagnosis could mean people with MND get earlier access to care and treatment, including clinical trials. The MND Association is currently involved in several projects investigating potential biomarkers and diagnostic tools and is committed to working towards earlier diagnosis.
Scientists at Brain Chemistry Labs ultimately hope the test will become a tool to help neurologists make more rapid diagnoses and is actively seeking a partner to help commercialise the biomarker for widespread use by patients and clinicians.