Parkinson`s patients with dementia can be identified earlier

A new study proves that blood tests might be able to help identify Parkinson's disease patients with the greatest risk of developing dementia. This study was published in the journal PLoS One. A genetic mutation called GBA leads to early onset of Parkinson's and severe mental decline in about 4% to 7% of Parkinson's patients. It also alters the way the body metabolizes certain kinds of fats. Mayo Clinic researchers found that Parkinson's patients who do not have this genetic mutation have higher levels of these fats in their blood. They also discovered that Parkinson's patients with high levels of these fats in their blood are more likely to have mental impairment and dementia. “There is currently no cure for Parkinson's, but the earlier we catch it, the better chance we have to fight it”, study first author Michelle Mielke said in a Mayo Clinic news release. “It's particularly important we find a biomarker and identify it in the preclinical phase of the disease, before the onset even begins”.