Methods for detecting or monitoring neurological or neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease via detection or measurement of central nervous system biomarkers within recirculating phagocytes after re-entry into the blood stream. The methods of the present invention may feature detecting neuromelanin in such recirculating phagocytes. For example, neuromelanin-binding peptides may be used to detect neuromelanin in recirculating phagocytes.
DETECTION OF NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES VIA MEASUREMENT OF NEUROMELANIN IN RECIRCULATING PHAGOCYTES