Researchers train dogs to identify Parkinson’s patients, say they can help develop diagnostic test

NEW DELHI: A new study has shown that dogs can be trained to identify patients with Parkinson’s disease using skin swabs, suggesting the existence of biomarkers that could aid in developing diagnostic tests for this neurodegenerative disorder.

Two dogs, trained to distinguish the odour between swabs of sebum — oil secreted by skin — taken from people with and without Parkinson’s disease, showed high levels of accuracy in detecting the ageing-related neurological disorder.

Researchers from the universities of Bristol and Manchester, along with Medical Detection Dogs, a UK-based charity organisation, noted that a definitive diagnostic test for the ageing-related neurological disorder remains elusive, identifying potential biomarkers could help with diagnosis and timely intervention.

Source: PTI News

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