(JNS) Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a new way to detect a protein associated with Parkinson’s disease which could “significantly delay” the progression of the disease, for which there is currently no cure.

According to the researchers, they have developed a new method for tracking the early stages of the accumulation of the alpha-synuclein protein, which slowly toxifies cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra. The scientists said that by the time most patients are diagnosed with Parkinson’s, 50% to 80% of the cells in substantia nigra are already dead.

Authors Professor Uri Ashery, head of the Sagol School of Neuroscience at Tel Aviv University, and Dr. Dana Bar-On, also of the Sagol School of Neuroscience, said the research was exciting due to the potential for detection and treatment of Parkinson’s before symptoms even develop, in a minimally invasive manner.