A recent study highlighted that individuals with hypermobility are more likely to experience long-term Covid symptoms, including persistent fatigue. Conducted by researchers from Brighton and Sussex Medical School and King’s College London, the study analyzed data from the Covid symptom study, with findings published in BMJ Public Health. It was discovered that people with hypermobile joints have a 30% higher chance of not fully recovering from Covid-19 and suffer from elevated levels of fatigue compared to those without such joint flexibility. Dr. Jessica Eccles noted the association between hypermobility and conditions such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and fibromyalgia but clarified that the study does not confirm a direct causal relationship. The research suggests that treatments focusing on strengthening core muscles may benefit those with hypermobility suffering from long Covid symptoms.

In a separate study, researchers have found that a simple skin biopsy could significantly enhance the early detection of Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. This breakthrough test, revealing a 93% accuracy rate in identifying abnormal proteins linked to such conditions, was documented in a publication in Jama. Conducted by experts from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre in the US, the study involved 428 participants diagnosed with Parkinson’s, dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy, and pure autonomic failure. Highlighting the test’s potential, Dr. Katherine Fletcher from Parkinson’s UK and senior author Roy Freeman emphasized its role in paving the way for quicker diagnosis and aiding in the development of new treatments. Though the initial results are promising, further research is required to validate the findings and fully ascertain the test’s clinical utility.