‘Game-changer’ test spots MND before symptoms

A TEST that spots signs of motor neurone disease before symptoms appear has been hailed a “game changer” by scientists developing it. The tool, known as TDP-43 aptamer, can detect damaged cell proteins in brain tissue samples.

Researchers said these proteins are indicators, or biomarkers, of MND that can be spotted before cells begin to malfunction and symptoms start to appear. They said that detecting the condition at its earliest stages opened the door for more effective treatments.

Dr Holly Spence, from the University

of Aberdeen, said: “Our findings have implications for early diagnostics and intervention prior to symptom onset in MND. With better ability to detect disease, we might be able to diagnose people with MND earlier, when therapeutic drugs might be much more effective.”

MND affects around 5,000 people in the UK. There’s no cure for the condition but treatments can help reduce its impact on a person’s daily life. It is caused by a build-up of certain proteins in the brain that clump together, causing the cells to gradually stop working.

Symptoms include impaired movement, thinking and breathing, which worsens over time.

The “aptamer” lab test works by identifying abnormal protein clumps in a brain tissue sample taken from a patient during biopsy.

The researchers said their test could pick up indicators of MND earlier and with more sensitivity than methods currently used.

Dr Jenna Gregory, from the University of Aberdeen, said: “This could be a game changer for MND research, diagnostics and treatment.”