Over 10 million people in the world have Parkinson's disease and as we commemorate World Parkinson's Day on April 11, it is a significant occasion to not only raise awareness but also increase our knowledge of Parkinson's care. If you are a caregiver, family member, or simply interested, caring for someone with Parkinson's is more than meds—it's about knowing, lifestyle modifications, and early detection.

For decades, the fight against Parkinson's disease (PD) has been handicapped by one major obstacle—delayed diagnosis. Today, researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem are turning it around. In an innovative study in Nature Aging, scientists have developed a low-cost, non-invasive blood test to detect Parkinson's years ahead of symptoms—basing new hope on early treatment and significantly enhanced outcomes.

How the RNA Blood Test Works?

The new test, which measures levels of certain RNA fragments in the blood, depends on a striking but powerful biological phenomenon. It targets transfer RNA fragments (tRFs)—tiny molecules that are typically overlooked in Parkinson's research—that experience deep oscillations as neurodegeneration advances.

Two biomarkers arose in the study: higher levels of Parkinson's-specific tRFs with a conserved sequence (RGTTCRA-tRFs), and lower levels of mitochondrial tRFs (MT-tRFs), which decline when cellular energy mechanisms fail. The diagnostic test measures the ratio between these two markers, producing an accurate and early warning of risk for disease.

Of interest, this test utilizes a two qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) assay to measure RNA levels, making it scalable and compatible with standard laboratory equipment worldwide. It does not require invasive brain scans or spinal taps, lowering barriers to entry and having the potential to be a standard screening test for high-risk patients.

To prove it, the researchers tried their method on data from international cohorts, including the high-profile Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative. The findings were dramatic: the blood test was 0.86 diagnostically accurate—improving on existing clinical scoring methods.

What this means is that the test not only predicts Parkinson's before motor symptoms, but with high accuracy as well, which will make it simpler for doctors and patients to move at the most important moment.

Adding to its clinical relevance, the study revealed that RGTTCRA-tRF levels reduced following deep brain stimulation (DBS)—a standard treatment for advanced Parkinson's. This further substantiates the link between such RNA markers and the biological processes of the disease.

The study was undertaken by Ph.D. candidate Nimrod Madrer under the supervision of Prof. Hermona Soreq, a distinguished neuroscientist at the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences and The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences. The project entailed experience from a number of institutions, including the Shaare Zedek Medical Center, the University of Surrey, and Imperial College London.

“This discovery represents a major advancement in our understanding of Parkinson’s disease,” said Prof. Soreq. “By focusing on tRFs, we’ve opened a new window into the molecular changes that occur in the earliest stages of the disease. Our goal is to enable interventions before the brain suffers irreversible damage.”

How Early Detection Can Help In Parkinson's Treatment?

Parkinson's disease affects over 10 million individuals globally, and numbers are growing due to aging populations. No cure, though, is presently available, and treatment is largely aimed at managing symptoms. Early diagnosis could be the breakthrough researchers, patients, and clinicians have been waiting for.

Distinguishing Parkinson's before extensive neurological damage is inflicted provides the potential for preventative treatments—whether by means of neuroprotective drugs, lifestyle modifications, or closer monitoring. Additionally, it provides researchers with the ability to design and test interventions earlier along the trajectory of the disease, accelerating drug development and potentially slowing disease onset.

The RNA blood test's success goes beyond Parkinson's. Because tRFs are involved in neurodegeneration in general, the test model might be used to identify other conditions like Alzheimer's and ALS.

The findings are now pending US Provisional Patent Applications, and researchers are seeking further validation with larger clinical trials. But early signs are promising.

“This test has the potential to alleviate the uncertainty faced by patients and clinicians,” said lead researcher Nimrod Madrer. “By offering a rapid, affordable, and highly accurate diagnostic method, we’re giving people the tools to fight Parkinson’s at a stage when it’s still possible to make a difference.”

With Early Diagnosis, What Comes Next?

With the health industry increasingly shifting towards precision medicine, cost-effective, scalable, and predictive tools must be developed. The RNA blood test firmly fits within this agenda. Due to its affordability, non-invasiveness, and compatibility with standard equipment, it can be integrated into regular health checkups, especially in those with genetic risk or family history of Parkinson's.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, is facing strong backlash after making sweeping comments during a recent press conference regarding autism and its supposed causes. As the CDC released a report revealing a rise in autism diagnoses among U.S. children now affecting 1 in 31 8-year-olds Kennedy doubled down on discredited theories linking autism to environmental exposures and vaccines, while portraying the disorder in stark, stigmatizing terms.

His remarks including claims that children with autism “will never hold a job,” “never pay taxes,” or “never use a toilet unassisted”, were swiftly condemned by parents, medical experts, and advocacy groups alike for reinforcing outdated stereotypes and misrepresenting the broad and diverse autism spectrum.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not a single condition with uniform symptoms or outcomes. Rather, it is a neurological and developmental condition characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. The key word is "spectrum" and it exists for a reason.

Some individuals with autism may be nonverbal and need lifelong support, while others live independently, excel in careers, write books, or even hold public office. “Autism is not a disease,” said actress and autism advocate Holly Robinson Peete in a video statement, responding to Kennedy. “It is a developmental difference and it is important to get that right.”

Her son, RJ, diagnosed 25 years ago, has “shattered a lot of 'never' off that list,” she said, referring to Kennedy’s grim portrayal. Countless parents echoed this sentiment on social media, stating that Kennedy’s generalizations erase the lived realities, milestones, and accomplishments of their children.

CDC Data Shows a Rise in Diagnoses

The CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network reported that 1 in 31 8-year-olds in the U.S. were diagnosed with autism in 2022, compared to 1 in 54 in 2016. But experts stress that this increase is not necessarily cause for alarm. It is, in fact, a sign of progress.

The rise in autism rates is driven largely by improved awareness, broader diagnostic criteria, and increased access to evaluations and services. We are identifying children earlier and more accurately that’s a good thing.

Kennedy, however, rejected this explanation as “indefensible” and announced plans for a directive to the National Institutes of Health to investigate “environmental exposures” as the root cause — reigniting long-debunked concerns about vaccines and toxins.

Despite overwhelming scientific consensus debunking any link between vaccines and autism, Kennedy has long been associated with promoting vaccine hesitancy. His latest comments, veiled in language about “environmental exposures,” once again hint at this discredited narrative.

Leading medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization, have repeatedly emphasized that vaccines are safe, effective, and have no causal relationship with autism. Resurrecting these claims only spreads fear and confusion. It undermines public health and harms autistic people by framing their existence as a preventable tragedy.

Parents Demand a Shift in the Narrative

Perhaps the strongest rebuke came from parents of autistic children themselves. Samantha Taylor, whose 20-year-old son is on the spectrum, told Good Morning America, “Autism doesn’t destroy families misinformation does.” In a viral Facebook post, she added, “What truly causes damage is the relentless portrayal of autism as something catastrophic, rather than a different way of experiencing the world.”

Kennedy’s comments, they say, not only ignore the complexity of the condition but strip children of their dignity and potential.

“Statements like ‘they’ll never write a poem’ deny the creative genius that so many autistic individuals demonstrate,” said Peete. “It’s dangerous, it’s harmful, and it’s simply false.”

Experts Call for More Informed Leadership

While Kennedy has promised answers by September through federally backed studies, medical experts warn that his rhetoric may set back years of advocacy and research by framing autism as an “epidemic” akin to an infectious disease.

Autism is not something to be eradicated, it’s something to be understood, supported, and embraced. Families deserve resources, not fearmongering.

In the last two decades, the medical community has shifted toward neurodiversity — a perspective that recognizes neurological differences like autism as natural variations of the human genome. This philosophy emphasizes inclusivity, respect, and strength-based approaches rather than medicalizing difference.

At a time when public trust in institutions is fragile, the words of public officials matter deeply. Kennedy’s comments have triggered a reckoning not only about how autism is portrayed in the media and politics but also about how society chooses to value — or devalue — people who are different.

Advocates stress the need for policies rooted in science, not stigma, and for leadership that uplifts rather than marginalizes.

As the national conversation around autism continues, one thing is clear: the autism community — parents, children, adults on the spectrum, clinicians, and allies — is not going to stay silent in the face of outdated narratives.

On World Liver Day, which is observed on April 19, to spread awareness about liver health and the life-saving power of organ donation, let us look at one such real-life story. This is where doctor's prompt's action and one's selfless donation saved one human's life.

When the 30-year-old Delhi-based man walked into the hospital, he had yellow eyes and dangerously high liver enzymes. He was admitted in Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj. That moment, he rarely knew that his life was, in fact, hanging by a thread. The man was diagnosed with acute liver failure, which was caused by viral hepatitis. His body was slowly shutting down. The frequency of his body shutting down had increased. The doctors also quickly informed the family. This was the one last hope of survival - a liver transplant.

The First Option Failed

His sister was family's first ray of hope. She was also willing and had a compatible liver whose part of it could be donated. However, pre-surgery tests revealed that her liver size was too small to ensure a safe transplant. The family then proposed the patient's brother-in-law - a second-degree relative, as the next donor. His liver was a better match, but since he was not an immediate blood relative, there had to be special regulatory approvals which were required.

However, the worsening condition of the patients allowed no such time.

The hospital too scrambled to get clearance for the brother-in-law. All this while, the patient suffered a cardiac arrest. The situation turned dire within minutes. Doctors performed CPR to revive him. He was immediately put on ventilator support. The decision had to be taken soon.

A Miraculous Surgery

With no time in hand, the doctors decided to go ahead with the sister as the donor, though there were risks there too.

A team of highly skilled hepatobiliary surgeons, anesthesiologists, and critical care specialists took over. In a high-risk, nine-hour surgery, they removed the patient’s failing liver and replaced it with part of his sister’s.

“This was one of the most challenging cases we’ve handled,” said Dr. Ajitabh Srivastava, Director – HPB Surgery & Liver Transplant. “When the patient collapsed, our team acted within seconds. Every decision, every move mattered. His survival was truly a team triumph.”

The patient is now recovering well.

What Is A Liver Transplant?

As per the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a liver transplant is a surgical procedure to replace a diseased liver with a healthy one from a donor. It’s often the last resort when liver failure occurs—whether due to chronic illness or sudden injury.

When Is It Needed?

People may need a liver transplant for:

• Alcoholic liver disease
• Fatty liver disease (NASH)
• Cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis C
• Liver cancer with cirrhosis
• Acute liver failure (often due to drug overdose, hepatitis, or toxins)

In children, biliary atresia is the most common reason.

Types of Liver Transplants

Deceased Donor Transplant:

The most common type, where a full or partial liver is taken from someone who has recently died.

Living Donor Transplant:

A healthy person donates a portion of their liver—typically a close relative. Both the donor’s and recipient’s liver regenerate to normal size in a few weeks.

What Must Be Kept In The Mind?

• Matching and Compatibility: Blood type, liver size, and health are crucial.
• Approval Process: Especially important for non-blood relatives.
• Recovery and Monitoring: Post-op care involves lifelong medication, lifestyle changes, and regular check-ups.

A rare and fatal brain disease with a 100% mortality rate has gripped Hood River County, Oregon, raising concerns within the medical community and eliciting intense probes by local and federal health officials. It is called Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), and it has killed two people and impacted a third in eight months—a terrifying cluster in a county of only slightly more than 23,000 people.

On April 14, the Hood River County Health Department reported one case of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease and two more probable cases. Although only one case has been confirmed by a diagnosis through an autopsy, the other two are presumptive and await post-mortem confirmation through examination of brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid. Such examination, as explained by Trish Elliott, Director of the Hood River County Health Department, may take months.

Although the origins of these three cases are still unknown, the cluster is epidemiologically significant. The U.S. experiences about 350 cases of CJD each year, or 1 to 2 cases per million individuals globally. For Hood River County, with only 23,000 people, to see three cases over such a brief time span is an epidemiologic outlier.

What Is Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)?

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease is a rapidly advancing and always lethal neurodegenerative disease resulting from misfolded proteins known as prions. Initially documented in the 1920s by German physicians Hans Gerhard Creutzfeldt and Alfons Jakob, CJD causes sponge-like holes to form within the brain, destroying its structure and function.

CJD is a member of the larger family of prion diseases, which also encompasses other rare but fatal disorders like kuru and fatal familial insomnia. Similar to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly referred to as mad cow disease, CJD irreversibly destroys the brain and has no cure.

CJD Symptoms and Progression

The symptoms of CJD are extreme and worsen quickly. Early symptoms may involve confusion, disorientation, personality changes, memory loss, visual disturbances, and stiffness of the muscles. Later in the disease, patients can develop hallucinations, difficulty speaking or swallowing, seizures, and sudden jerky movements.

Death typically occurs within a year of the onset of symptoms, usually as a result of complications such as pneumonia, heart failure, or problems arising from neurological deterioration such as falls and choking.

Symptoms in the early stages of sporadic CJD usually resemble other dementias but worsen with terrifying rapidity. The majority of individuals with sporadic CJD are between 50 and 80 years of age, but some genetic forms can occur earlier, even in some people as young as 30.

Various Types of CJD

CJD comes in several types:

Sporadic CJD (sCJD): This type is the most prevalent, affecting about 85% of the cases. This type happens spontaneously when healthy proteins in the brain misfolded into prions for unknown reasons.

Genetic CJD (fCJD): Due to mutations in the PRNP gene, this form is inherited and represents about 10–15% of the total cases. The PRNP gene codes for the prion protein (PrP), a protein involved in neuronal communication and protection.

Acquired CJD (also referred to as iatrogenic or variant CJD): This is a rare type that involves outside sources of infection, such as eating infected beef (BSE/mad cow disease) or through tainted medical equipment or transplanted tissue.

In spite of concerns, authorities from Hood River County stressed that the present cases do not seem to have resulted from infected cows. "At this point in time, there is no cause identified between these three cases," the department noted. They also pointed out that CJD cannot be transmitted via air, touching, social contact, or water.

Public Health Measures and Continued Investigations

The Hood River County Health Department, in collaboration with the Oregon Health Authority and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has launched an "active and ongoing investigation" into the three reported cases.

“We’re trying to look at any common risk factors that might link these cases,” Trish Elliott told The Oregonian. “But it’s pretty hard in some cases to come up with what the real cause is.”

Although risk to the general population is "extremely low," the health department continues to monitor it. Since CJD cannot be definitely diagnosed until after death, real-time monitoring is not easy, and so robust surveillance is essential.

Can CJD Be Prevented?

Although there is no treatment or cure to prevent the development of CJD, the U.S. has established strict public health measures to minimize the risk of acquired CJD, especially through food supply control and medical safety measures.

Federal authorities have maintained since the 1990s a prohibition against feeding cattle which could be contaminated with BSE, and employment of high-risk material in foods is strictly barred. Sterilization processes of surgical devices as well as strict donor screening in transplantation and transfusions are all undertaken to cut back on iatrogenic spread.

While medical officials wait for further verification and possible connections between the three patients, the attention is on education, surveillance, and reassurance to the public.

Although it is reassuringly ominous to witness a disease of this kind emerging in a small American community, the risk at the international level remains low, especially with measures presently in place. Nevertheless, the cases are a sobering reminder of the enigma that prion diseases continue to pose to modern medicine.

Health officials are still keeping an eye on the matter and are asking people not to panic but to remain updated. "The health department will remain vigilant and inform you of any public health risk," officials promised in a statement.