Diagnosing Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a hot topic as there have been scientific advances and new approaches being explored. The September 25 episode of the American Parkinson Disease Association’s (APDA’s) Dr. Gilbert Hosts will dive into many aspects of PD diagnosis with special guest Dr. Marie-Helene Saint-Hilaire, a movement disorders specialist and member of APDA’s Scientific Advisory Board. Tune in at 10am, PT.

Until recently, there were no biomarkers (a measurable characteristic in the body which indicates that disease is present) available to detect PD and diagnosis was mainly determined through a clinical exam — but now things are starting to change with some potential biomarkers being explored! This is big news.

Dr. Saint-Hilaire will explain clinical aspects of diagnosing PD, like looking at pre-motor PD (the concept that symptoms such as loss of smell can be used as a diagnostic clue), clinical diagnosis (the concept that PD has a very specific set of clinical features that can be seen on exam and used to diagnose), and a person’s response to levodopa (this can be a huge clue to diagnosis.)

Attendees will also learn about the progress that has been made in diagnosing Parkinson’s, including:

• The lab tests that can shed light on whether or not you have PD
• Other methods of diagnosing PD
• How this progress will make a difference
• How to get a test if your doctor hasn’t ordered one
• The limitations of these tests
• And more!

Register for the webinar even if you can’t attend on the 25th. You will get an email with a link to the recording which will be available immediately, along with past Dr. Gilbert Hosts episodes, on the APDA YouTube channel.