Colonoscopy could predict Parkinsons
A routine colonoscopy could be used to predict a person’s risk of Parkinson’s disease.
Researchers at Rush University analyzed samples of colon tissue taken from patients several years before they showed any symptoms of the disorder.
All of the samples contained a protein that are present in the brain cells of patients with Parkinson’s disease.
This protein was not detected in healthy patients.
Experts say a colonoscopy, or the less invasive flexible sigmoyedoscopy, could someday be key in diagnosing and slowing the progression of Parkinson’s before symptoms begin.
