New technique could help diagnose Parkinson’s early, scientists say

The actor Michael J Fox has Parkinson’s and has campaigned for more research for years. Photograph: Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

Scientists have developed a new technique that could help diagnose Parkinson’s disease before symptoms show, and speed up the hunt for a cure.

Parkinson’s is difficult to diagnose because at present there is no specific test for the condition. Symptoms vary and several other illnesses have similar symptoms, which means the condition can often be misdiagnosed.