A lesser-known symptom of Parkinson’s disease may be a loss of smell, also known as anosmia, which can occur years before the typical signs of the condition, experts have revealed. While tremors and stiffness in the limbs are commonly associated with Parkinson’s, this early warning sign, affecting up to 95% of individuals with the disease, often goes unnoticed.
According to Parkinson’s UK, many people with the disease experience a reduced or complete loss of their sense of smell, often years before other movement-related symptoms develop. The NHS suggests that this could be one of the earliest indicators of the disease, potentially occurring several years before more recognizable signs such as tremors or difficulty with movement.
Dr. Beckie Port, research communications lead at Parkinson’s UK, explained, “Loss of smell can significantly impact quality of life. It can affect your ability to taste food, leading to weight fluctuations, mood changes, and safety concerns—such as being unable to detect smoke from a fire or burning food.”
This symptom, however, does not respond to Parkinson’s medications, and its progression is not typically alleviated by treatment. Despite its subtle nature, the loss of smell can have far-reaching consequences, not just for those affected, but also for their mental health and personal relationships.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement. It occurs when neurons in the brain, responsible for producing dopamine, begin to deteriorate, leading to both motor and non-motor symptoms.
While Parkinson’s predominantly affects individuals over the age of 50, approximately 1% of sufferers are diagnosed at a younger age. As the disease continues to rise globally, experts are calling for increased awareness and more research to improve early diagnosis and treatment options.
“There is no definitive test for Parkinson’s disease, which complicates early diagnosis,” Dr. Port said. “The earlier a person is diagnosed, the sooner they can receive treatment to help manage their symptoms. With Parkinson’s being the fastest-growing neurological condition worldwide, funding for research into its causes, symptoms, and treatments is urgently needed.”
Currently, more than 145,000 people in the UK live with Parkinson’s disease, and the number is expected to rise as the global population ages. Early recognition of symptoms like anosmia could significantly improve the quality of life for those at risk.
For now, experts stress the importance of ongoing research into the hidden symptoms of Parkinson’s and the need for greater public awareness to support better management and early intervention.
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