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Diagnosing Parkinson’s disease has long been a challenge. Unlike many other conditions, Parkinson’s has no single test — such as a blood test — that can confirm a diagnosis. Instead, healthcare professionals rely on periods of observation and tests to rule out other conditions, which can take time and delay treatment.
Researchers are exploring whether Parkinson’s could be diagnosed with one of the most straightforward tests — a standard blood draw. According to a 2025 study published in the journal Nature Aging, there may be a way to test the blood to diagnose Parkinson’s before symptoms begin and progress.
Learn more about what scientists have discovered so far, what these blood tests are designed to detect, and how they could one day benefit people living with Parkinson’s disease.
Currently, Parkinson’s disease is diagnosed based on symptoms and medical history. A neurologist will usually look for movement-related signs, such as tremors, stiffness, or slow movement. There’s no single scan or lab test that confirms Parkinson’s. Instead, doctors may:
Because symptoms can develop slowly and overlap with other conditions, diagnosis can take time. This waiting period can be stressful and may delay treatment and planning. Conditions like essential tremor, multiple system atrophy, and progressive supranuclear palsy can present similarly to Parkinson’s disease, especially in early stages, which may lead to a misdiagnosis.
Another significant challenge is that doctors don’t yet have a way to identify Parkinson’s before symptoms start. By the time motor symptoms appear, the condition has already progressed.
Researchers are studying whether certain changes in the blood could act as early warning signs of Parkinson’s. While these tests are still in the research stage, the results so far are promising.
Many blood tests search for biomarkers. Biomarkers are substances that can be measured in the body, like proteins or sugars. They can indicate that something is wrong if levels aren’t in a certain range.
Identifying a biomarker for Parkinson’s would allow doctors to make a definite diagnosis instead of ruling out other disorders. There currently aren’t any biomarkers that can test for Parkinson’s, but scientists have found several candidates that may be useful.
Cells in the human body contain mitochondria — the cell’s source of energy. Mitochondria have their own DNA. People with Parkinson’s disease often have a lot of damage to their mitochondrial DNA, which can change how their cells process energy.
In a 2023 study, researchers found that they can detect how much mitochondrial DNA damage someone has from a blood test. They also determined that people with Parkinson’s disease have a unique pattern and amount of mitochondrial DNA damage.
Using laboratory models of Parkinson’s disease, scientists have developed a blood test that can detect the disease by looking at mitochondrial DNA damage. More research is needed before this test is officially used in the diagnosis of Parkinson’s.
In the 2025 study, researchers found patterns in blood samples that may help identify Parkinson’s before clear symptoms appear. The blood test focuses on a type of RNA called transfer RNA (tRNA). This type of RNA is usually known for helping the body make proteins, but researchers have recently learned that pieces of tRNA can also help control how cells respond to stress and disease.
In people with Parkinson’s disease, certain pieces of tRNA change in noticeable ways. Researchers looked at patterns within these tRNA fragments to see if they could tell the difference between people with Parkinson’s and people without it. The study identified two important biomarkers:
With these biomarkers in mind, researchers were able to detect Parkinson’s disease in a blood test. The test has been found to be 86 percent accurate.
While the research is still in early stages, it suggests that Parkinson’s may leave detectable clues in the blood long before diagnosis.
Your body uses proteins to do everything, from making energy to secreting waste. The proteins that a cell releases can show how healthy that cell is. A 2024 study found that a specific group of proteins always showed different patterns of expression in people with Parkinson’s disease.
Researchers determined that these proteins act as biomarkers of Parkinson’s disease. In fact, they were able to predict Parkinson’s disease in 79 percent of people with the disease before they even started showing symptoms. While this blood test isn’t yet available, it offers hope for early diagnosis in the future.
A simple blood test for Parkinson’s would be a revolutionary breakthrough and fundamentally change how we diagnose and manage the disease. A blood test could improve:
For individuals with a known genetic risk, a blood test could be a powerful screening tool in the future. It could lead to regular biomarker screening, earlier detection, and earlier intervention. Getting treatment as early as possible for Parkinson’s is the key to preventing symptoms and progression.
While a blood test for Parkinson’s is not yet available, research is ongoing. Each new study helps scientists better understand the disease and brings them closer to more accurate and earlier diagnosis.
If blood tests become part of Parkinson’s care in the future, they could reduce uncertainty, shorten the diagnostic process, and improve quality of life for many people. For now, people with concerns about symptoms or family history should talk with a healthcare professional about monitoring and next steps.
On MyParkinsonsTeam, people share their experiences with Parkinson’s disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
What was the most challenging part of the diagnosis process for you? Let others know in the comments below.
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