Ray of hope for the Parkinson's community? Latest study claims dogs can detect the disease early with high accuracy
Parkinson's disease
. This development has come as a ray of hope for the
Parkinson's
community, as there are currently no definitive early diagnostic tests for the disease.
The latest findings have given hope to scientists, as this data will help them identify the biological markers that dogs are able to detect, according to Dogster.com. Identifying the earliest changes in the body could result in improved tests, allowing patients to get timely care, as the study suggests that dogs can detect symptoms potentially years before diagnosis.
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What is Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's is a neurological disorder that leads to symptoms such as stiffness, tremors, trouble with balance, and slow movement. It is progressive and worsens as time goes on. While there is no cure at present, medications and sometimes surgery can help manage symptoms.
There is still no conclusive test for diagnosing Parkinson's, so finding the biological markers that dogs can sense may be valuable. Symptoms can first appear up to 20 years before they are persistent enough for a clear diagnosis. An early detection test could give patients and doctors a significant advantage in managing the disease.
Live Events
How can dogs help in detecting Parkinson's
The research published on July 15, 2025, in The Journal of Parkinson's Disease claimed that dogs can detect the disease. But the question is, how is this possible?
According to Dogster.com, the study features a double-blind study involving trained dogs. Seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition caused by glands producing too much sebum, is one of the early
symptoms of Parkinson's
, often appearing before motor issues. Sebum has a unique smell, and researchers thought dogs might be trained to detect the extra sebum in skin samples.
In the study, professional trainers taught a group of dogs to detect Parkinson's from skin samples. Ten dogs started the training, but just two finished the challenging process. After completing their training, the dogs were presented with a series of skin samples, one of which might have had Parkinson's. The study was double-blind, making sure the dogs weren't influenced by their trainers or the researchers.
In the end, the dogs were 98% accurate at detecting Parkinson's disease from the skin samples. Their sensitivity to the samples was also high, between 70% and 80%. While this is only an initial step toward creating an early test for Parkinson's, the findings were promising.
Dogs have demonstrated the ability to sense several diseases, including cancer. Cancerous tumors release volatile organic compounds that some dogs' keen sense of smell can pick up. They may also be able to detect conditions like diabetes, malaria, and COVID-19.
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Economic Times
a day ago
- Economic Times
Ray of hope for the Parkinson's community? Latest study claims dogs can detect the disease early with high accuracy
What is Parkinson's Disease Live Events How can dogs help in detecting Parkinson's (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel A new study has discovered that trained dogs were surprisingly accurate in detecting Parkinson's disease . This development has come as a ray of hope for the Parkinson's community, as there are currently no definitive early diagnostic tests for the latest findings have given hope to scientists, as this data will help them identify the biological markers that dogs are able to detect, according to Identifying the earliest changes in the body could result in improved tests, allowing patients to get timely care, as the study suggests that dogs can detect symptoms potentially years before is a neurological disorder that leads to symptoms such as stiffness, tremors, trouble with balance, and slow movement. It is progressive and worsens as time goes on. While there is no cure at present, medications and sometimes surgery can help manage is still no conclusive test for diagnosing Parkinson's, so finding the biological markers that dogs can sense may be valuable. Symptoms can first appear up to 20 years before they are persistent enough for a clear diagnosis. An early detection test could give patients and doctors a significant advantage in managing the research published on July 15, 2025, in The Journal of Parkinson's Disease claimed that dogs can detect the disease. But the question is, how is this possible?According to the study features a double-blind study involving trained dogs. Seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition caused by glands producing too much sebum, is one of the early symptoms of Parkinson's , often appearing before motor issues. Sebum has a unique smell, and researchers thought dogs might be trained to detect the extra sebum in skin the study, professional trainers taught a group of dogs to detect Parkinson's from skin samples. Ten dogs started the training, but just two finished the challenging process. After completing their training, the dogs were presented with a series of skin samples, one of which might have had Parkinson's. The study was double-blind, making sure the dogs weren't influenced by their trainers or the the end, the dogs were 98% accurate at detecting Parkinson's disease from the skin samples. Their sensitivity to the samples was also high, between 70% and 80%. While this is only an initial step toward creating an early test for Parkinson's, the findings were have demonstrated the ability to sense several diseases, including cancer. Cancerous tumors release volatile organic compounds that some dogs' keen sense of smell can pick up. They may also be able to detect conditions like diabetes, malaria, and COVID-19.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Ray of hope for the Parkinson's community? Latest study claims dogs can detect the disease early with high accuracy
A new study has discovered that trained dogs were surprisingly accurate in detecting Parkinson's disease . This development has come as a ray of hope for the Parkinson's community, as there are currently no definitive early diagnostic tests for the disease. The latest findings have given hope to scientists, as this data will help them identify the biological markers that dogs are able to detect, according to Identifying the earliest changes in the body could result in improved tests, allowing patients to get timely care, as the study suggests that dogs can detect symptoms potentially years before diagnosis. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Design Thinking Degree Public Policy Data Analytics Finance Cybersecurity Digital Marketing Others Operations Management CXO Project Management Data Science Product Management MBA Healthcare Technology Data Science Leadership MCA healthcare Artificial Intelligence others PGDM Management Skills you'll gain: Duration: 22 Weeks IIM Indore CERT-IIMI DTAI Async India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 25 Weeks IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK PCP DTIM Async India Starts on undefined Get Details What is Parkinson's Disease Parkinson's is a neurological disorder that leads to symptoms such as stiffness, tremors, trouble with balance, and slow movement. It is progressive and worsens as time goes on. While there is no cure at present, medications and sometimes surgery can help manage symptoms. There is still no conclusive test for diagnosing Parkinson's, so finding the biological markers that dogs can sense may be valuable. Symptoms can first appear up to 20 years before they are persistent enough for a clear diagnosis. An early detection test could give patients and doctors a significant advantage in managing the disease. Live Events How can dogs help in detecting Parkinson's The research published on July 15, 2025, in The Journal of Parkinson's Disease claimed that dogs can detect the disease. But the question is, how is this possible? According to the study features a double-blind study involving trained dogs. Seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition caused by glands producing too much sebum, is one of the early symptoms of Parkinson's , often appearing before motor issues. Sebum has a unique smell, and researchers thought dogs might be trained to detect the extra sebum in skin samples. In the study, professional trainers taught a group of dogs to detect Parkinson's from skin samples. Ten dogs started the training, but just two finished the challenging process. After completing their training, the dogs were presented with a series of skin samples, one of which might have had Parkinson's. The study was double-blind, making sure the dogs weren't influenced by their trainers or the researchers. In the end, the dogs were 98% accurate at detecting Parkinson's disease from the skin samples. Their sensitivity to the samples was also high, between 70% and 80%. While this is only an initial step toward creating an early test for Parkinson's, the findings were promising. Dogs have demonstrated the ability to sense several diseases, including cancer. Cancerous tumors release volatile organic compounds that some dogs' keen sense of smell can pick up. They may also be able to detect conditions like diabetes, malaria, and COVID-19. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Toothpaste & balms can affect brain health: Doctors
1 2 3 4 Nagpur: In a shocking link between everyday hygiene products and neurological health, doctors and neuroscientists raised fresh concerns about ingredients commonly found in toothpaste, balms, and essential oil-based products that may silently impact the brain over time. Observations made during World Brain Week prompted researchers to highlight the potential neurotoxic effects of substances such as camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus — common components found in daily-use products. Experts suggest checking labels and avoiding the overuse of strong aromatic products. "Many of these ingredients can cross the blood–brain barrier via the buccal mucosa, bypassing liver metabolism," said Dr Thomas Mathew, vice dean at St John's Medical College, Bengaluru. "Repeated exposure, especially every 24 to 48 hours, can lead to a phenomenon called chemical kindling, where brain neurons become hyperexcitable, possibly triggering seizures, migraines, or other neuropsychiatric disorders," Mathew said. Patients with unexplained headaches, seizures, anxiety, and even depression showed improvement simply by switching their toothpaste or stopping the use of certain balms, revealed Padma Shri Dr Chandrashekhar Meshram, trustee of the World Federation of Neurology. "These are not allergic reactions but neurostimulation effects. We've seen cluster headaches and migraines vanish within days of stopping using particular brands," he added. A landmark case series published recently in The International Journal of Head and Face Pain also documented cluster headaches linked to toothpaste use, which resolved upon discontinuation of a particular brand. Experimental studies in zebrafish showed that even brief exposure to toothpaste triggered aggression, anxiety, and hyperactivity, suggesting potential impact on the brain. "The concern is not that these products affect everyone, but that they could be contributing to unexplained neurological symptoms in susceptible individuals," said Dr Meshram. "We need collaborative research and funding to explore safe alternatives like water or saline-based oral hygiene products." The spotlight also fell on oral health as a window to brain health. New studies linked gum disease and poor dental hygiene with higher risks of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and even stroke. "Regular flossing was associated with up to 22% reduction in ischemic stroke risk," noted Dr S Sen, a researcher from the US. As evidence grows, neurologists are urging both the public and policymakers to consider the hidden neuro-health impacts of seemingly benign daily products, and to explore safer, inert alternatives. THE BRAIN & BALM CONNECTION Common balms and hair oils may contain brain-stimulating chemicals Some toothpaste ingredients can trigger headaches, seizures, and anxiety A zebrafish study showed toothpaste exposure causes hyperactivity and aggression Oral health and gum disease may increase the risk of stroke and Alzheimer's Experts urge consumers to check labels and avoid the overuse of strong aromatic products
