The disease can be detected by just a normal blood test.

One of the issues with Parkinson’s disease is that by the time it manifests, by the time on can detect it, it’s already too late, making its cure a steep uphill battle.

However, thanks to the work done by researchers from La Trobe University in Australia, Parkinson can now be detected pretty early thanks to the discovery of biomarkers that the researchers discovered in the blood cells of those affected by the disease.

In a report, the university has described a procedure which tests the mitochondria of the cell for a protein, dubbed as AMPK, which gets permanently activated and starts damaging the cells.

The research into this debilitating disease is being financed by the foundation of its profile patient Michael J. Fox. Well, whose very purpose of existence is dedicated to advancing further research on this dreadful disease.

On the other hand, despite having such a solid backing coupled with the Shake It Up Australia Foundation’s $640,000 grant, more funds will be required so that the results can be made affordable to the general public. Furthermore, it will take at least 5 more years, along with additional funding, before the product can be stated for mass market consumption.

Currently, the university has marginally increased the number of its test subjects, from 38 to 70. As per The Guardian, its ultimate goal would be to do a longitudinal study which will involve “thousands” of people who are in the mid-40s, the age at which most people are at risk of the disease raising its head through physical symptoms.

If the tests are successful, the researchers hope to create methodologies which could detect and provide early diagnosis for other neurological diseases, including Alzheimer as well.