Scientists in Sweden and Norway have developed a simple blood test that can detect Parkinson's disease years to decades before symptoms appear.[1] The test works on the principle of detecting subtle biological signals in the blood that are related to how cells cope with stress and repair DNA.[1] A team of scientists has identified a short early window during which Parkinson's disease leaves a measurable fingerprint in the blood.[1] Similar research from other institutions found that eight specific proteins in the blood can help identify patients with Parkinson's disease up to seven years before major symptoms appear.[1][3] Early detection of the disease could allow for earlier medical intervention and administration of drugs at an earlier stage, which could slow the progression of the disease or even prevent it.[1] This advance in diagnostics could alleviate patient uncertainty and open avenues for the development of new treatments.[3]