Novel evidence associates higher plasma {alpha}-synuclein levels and cognitive impairment in Parkinsons disease

A new and highly sensitive blood test of α-synuclein confirms that associated with cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease

Cognitive impairment is common in Parkinson's disease (PD) and is linked to cortical alpha-synuclein (α-syn) pathology. Biomarkers predicting time and rate of cognitive decline in PD are needed.1 Levels of total, oligomeric, and phosphorylated α-syn in peripheral tissues and body fluids of people with PD have been extensively evaluated.2 Most studies have used cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), but findings have been disappointing. A recent meta-analysis that included 17 studies (n=3311) reported significantly lower levels of CSF α-syn in PD, compared with healthy or neurological controls, but concluded that CSF α-syn levels alone are not sufficient for diagnosing PD early.3 4 Factors leading to variation among studies include different technical platforms and antibody variability. An additional complicating factor is the risk for contamination of blood during lumbar puncture,...

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