Neuroscience
Summary: A novel screening method for Parkinson’s disease (PD) analyzes the volatile compounds in ear wax to detect early signs of the condition. Researchers found that four specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are significantly different in people with PD.
Using this information, they developed an AI-powered olfactory system that distinguished between PD and non-PD samples with 94% accuracy. This inexpensive, non-invasive technique could revolutionize early detection and treatment strategies.
Key Facts:
- Biomarker Discovery: Four volatile compounds in ear wax were found to differ significantly in people with Parkinson’s.
- AI Accuracy: An artificial intelligence olfactory system achieved 94% accuracy in classifying PD vs non-PD samples.
- Non-Invasive Test: Ear wax is a protected and stable source of sebum-based biomarkers, offering a reliable testing medium.
Source: ACS
Most treatments for Parkinson’s disease (PD) only slow disease progression. Early intervention for the neurological disease that worsens over time is therefore critical to optimize care, but that requires early diagnosis.
Current tests, like clinical rating scales and neural imaging, can be subjective and costly.
The AIO system, the researchers say, could be used as a first-line screening tool for early PD detection and could pave the way for early medical intervention, thereby improving patient care. Credit: Neuroscience News
Now, researchers in ACS’ Analytical Chemistry report the initial development of a system that inexpensively screens for PD from the odors in a person’s ear wax.
Previous research has shown that changes in sebum, an oily substance secreted by the skin, could help identify people with PD. Specifically, sebum from people with PD may have a characteristic smell because volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by sebum are altered by disease progression — including neurodegeneration, systemic inflammation and oxidative stress.
However, when sebum on the skin is exposed to environmental factors like air pollution and humidity, its composition can be altered …
