Summary: A new blood test may become the best diagnostic tool for Parkinson's disease. The test profiles molecular biomarkers in the blood, looking for a unique pattern of "metabolomic" alternations that signals Parkinson's disease.

Comment: Currently, a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) is based solely on a clinical review of symptoms. A reliable blood test would make it possible to diagnosis the disease earlier and more conveniently. It would also eliminate PD in the 10% of patients who have look-alike conditions and speed an accurate diagnosis and treatment for them.

Summary: Taken together, several gene variations accurately predict people who are at a high risk for Parkinson's disease.

Comment: Neurologists expect that eventually a simple blood test will screen for these gene variations and predict a patient's risk for brain aging disorders.

Summary: Sensitivity to smell and taste declines naturally with age. However, this loss can also be caused by treatable health conditions such as Parkinson's disease.

Comment: This article by a Mayo Clinic geriatrician explains why these senses can diminish and how it can be treated.