Neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, Lewy body dementia, and Alzheimer’s present significant diagnostic challenges, often leading to delayed or inaccurate diagnoses. In a recent webinar, Matthew Binnicker, Ph.D., chief scientific officer for Mayo Clinic Laboratories, and Stuart McCarter, M.D., assistant professor of neurology at Mayo Clinic, discussed how SAAmplify™-αSYN testing, offered through Mayo Clinic Laboratories in collaboration with Amprion, is enhancing diagnostic options for these conditions.

“Sometimes having an explanation for why things are different is almost as meaningful as the diagnosis itself,” said Dr. McCarter, reflecting on a complex case where the test provided critical clarity.

SAAmplify™-αSYN is the first clinically available, validated test that detects pathological α-synuclein with autopsy-confirmed accuracy. By leveraging seed amplification technology, the test delivers an objective, reproducible, and highly sensitive result, complementing traditional diagnostic tools such as neuroimaging and clinical assessments.

Key takeaways from the webinar

• Neurodegenerative disorders impose a global burden, costing economies over $1.3 trillion annually.
• Traditional diagnosis often relies on clinical presentation, leading to misdiagnosis in up to 30% of Parkinson’s cases.
• SAAmplify™-αSYN testing offers approximately 87% sensitivity and 97% specificity for Parkinson’s disease.
• The test can detect misfolded proteins years before symptoms appear, enabling earlier intervention and improved patient management.
• The test serves as a complementary tool, alongside imaging and other biomarkers, not as a standalone diagnostic method.

Watch the full webinar and learn more about SAAmplify™-αSYN testing through Mayo Clinic Laboratories.