Smell Loss As A Potential Diagnostic Tool
While there is no treatment for smell loss, this symptom is valuable in research toward earlier diagnosis and therapeutic intervention.
Early detection is a crucial step to understanding the causes of and developing better treatments for Parkinson’s disease . Even before the typical tremor and slowness of movement occur, it may be possible to detect early changes in the brain and symptoms that are associated with PD.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s landmark study, the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative , is studying people with smell loss. Some people who enrolled in PPMI with only smell loss have since developed Parkinson’s disease. By looking back at the brain scans and blood tests those volunteers contributed before their Parkinson’s diagnosis, scientists can understand what is happening in the earliest stages of the disease. That information could lead to early diagnostic tests and treatments to slow or stop Parkinson’s progression, perhaps before tremor or slowness begin.
The medical information contained in this article is for general information purposes only. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research has a policy of refraining from advocating, endorsing or promoting any drug therapy, course of treatment, or specific company or institution. It is crucial that care and treatment decisions related to Parkinson’s disease and any other medical condition be made in consultation with a physician or other qualified medical professional.
Clinical Trials Of Parkinsons Therapies Robust Despite Covid
A recent study suggested that the scent-related signals of the olfactory bulb could be measured using a non-invasive electrobulbogram . The test uses small electrodes that are placed on a persons forehead to measure the odor-induced activity as an electric signal, either in the gamma or beta waves.
Electrical activity in the brain can be measured as brainwaves with different frequencies. Brainwaves are produced by electrical pulses from nerve cells communicating with each other. They are divided into different bandwidths, specifically infra-low, delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma, that change according to what an individual is doing and feeling.
Now, researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, assessed whether the odor-induced signaling measured with the EBG could help distinguish Parkinsons patients from healthy people, while comparing the sensitivity and specificity of EBG versus a standardized clinical olfactory test.
Of note, a tests sensitivity is its ability to correctly identify those with a given disease, while specificity refers to correctly identifying those without it.
The team evaluated 20 patients with Parkinsons disease and 18 age-matched healthy individuals , who served as controls.
When compared to controls, the ability to smell was significantly worse in Parkinsons patients, when assessed using the Sniffin Sticks, a 16-item odor identification test.
Cause Of Loss Of Smell In Parkinson’s Disease
It’s unclear why olfactory dysfunction occurs in Parkinson’s disease. Experts have found that smell loss correlates with a lower number of cholinergic neurons in the nucleus basalis of Meynarta region of the brain that projects to the primary olfactory cortex where you get the sensation of smell.
With this information, smell tests that focus on detecting cholinergic dysfunction may be ideal. It’s still too early to tell, though, so more investigation needs to be done.
Additionally, some researchers have suggested that Parkinson’s disease may actually begin in the digestive system and the olfactory bulb , and not the substantia nigra . This may be why early symptoms, like constipation and loss of smell, begin years prior to motor symptoms like resting tremor and muscle stiffness.
You May Like: Can Parkinson’s Run In The Family
Naturalremedy For Parkinsons #7 Omega
Animal based omega-3 fatty acids are a powerful weapon inthe fight against Parkinsons disease. One of the main fatty acids, DHA, is oneof the essential building blocks for the human brain. Half of your brain andeyes are made up of fat and a large proportion of this is DHA fat.
Omega-3 fatty acids have the unique ability to cross theblood-brain barrier, something most conventional drugs cannot do. They helpincrease dopamine levels and reduce neuroinflammation in the brain, while atthe same time, stimulating neuron growth. So basically, EPA and DHA help preventbrain cell damage and keep the nervous system in tip top working order! 4
Best sources of animal based omega-3s are either fishoil, cod liver oil or krill oil. High strength krill oil is the preferred option as thiscontains a substance called Astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is a potent brain food nutrientthat has been shown to prevent neurodegeneration and inflammation of the brain.For dosages, take AT LEAST the highest recommended amount listed on the bottle the same goes with fish oil or cod liver oil. You cant overdose on thesesupplements so theres nothing to be concerned about. In fact, the more omega-3syou can get into you the better the results!
In addition to this, try and eat some cold water fattyfish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines or herring 3-4 times a week foran extra supply of DHA and EPA.
Meet The Woman Who Can Smell Parkinson’s
A Parkinson’s UK-funded study, inspired by a woman’s ability to smell the condition, has resulted in the discovery of 10 molecules which could lead to the first diagnostic test for Parkinson’s.
The story of Joy Milne who featured in the BBC Scotland documentary The Woman Who Can Smell Parkinson’s is testament to the role that people who live with a health condition can have in inspiring scientists to make research breakthroughs.
Researchers at Manchester University first thought Parkinson’s might have a discernible odour when Joy Milne of Perth, Scotland, said she had noticed a change in the way her husband smelled 6 years before he was diagnosed with the condition.
Joy said she noticed the change years before her husband developed any motor symptoms, pointing to the possibility to diagnose Parkinson’s earlier than is currently known.
Tanith Muller, Parliamentary and Campaigns Manager at Parkinsons UK in Scotland said:
“This whole story started with Joy coming along to a Parkinson’s UK event. During a question and answer session, her claim to be able to smell Parkinsons caught the attention of Parkinson’s UK supported researcher Dr Tilo Kunath at the University of Edinburgh and he investigated further.
“Tilo’s initial findings that Joy could indeed smell Parkinson’s then led to Parkinson’s UK funding further research into whether Parkinsons had its own aroma.”
Dr Arthur Roach, Director of Research at Parkinson’s UK, added:
Tanith Muller concludes:
Recommended Reading: How Quickly Does Parkinson’s Disease Progress
What Can You Do If You Have Pd
- Work with your doctor to create a plan to stay healthy. This might include the following:
- A referral to a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in the brain
- Care from an occupational therapist, physical therapist or speech therapist
- Meeting with a medical social worker to talk about how Parkinson’s will affect your life
For more information, visit our Treatment page.
Page reviewed by Dr. Chauncey Spears, Movement Disorders Fellow at the University of Florida, a Parkinsons Foundation Center of Excellence.
Discovering The Smell Of Parkinsons
In 2012, stem cell biologist Dr Tilo Kunath had just finished a public talk about his research on Parkinsons disease when he was asked a surprising question Why arent you using smell to detect Parkinsons? Nine years on, this simple question has led to ground-breaking research into new ways to detect this devastating disease.
By Ellie Roger, Communication and Engagement Officer, Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair
Recommended Reading: What Is The Life Expectancy Of Someone With Parkinson’s Disease
Home Remedyfor Parkinsons #5 Vitamin D & Vitamin E:
Inflammation and low immunity are two powerful factorsthat contribute to the development and worsening of Parkinsons disease. Bothvitamin D and vitamin E are strong anti-inflammatories and immune boosters. VitaminD & E also protect our brain cells and can even help damaged neurons regenerate. A deficiency of these key vitamins has also been linked to brain difficultiessuch as poor memory and recall attainability.
In regards to PD, a study of 157 Parkinsons patientsfound that the vast majority of them had severe to chronic vitamin Ddeficiencies. The findings, published in the Archives of Neurology in March of 2011, revealed a strong linkbetween inadequate levels of vitamin D and the onset of early Parkinson’sdisease.4
Back in 2002, another study was published in the Archives of Neurology which tracked themental decline of 3,000 men and women diagnosed with Parkinsons disease over a period of 7 years. The study found the participants whose supplemental vitamin E intakewas higher experienced a 36% reduction in theseverity of their symptoms compared to the rest of the group. Another study, whichappeared in the Lancet Neurology onlinemagazine in 2005, showed that vitamin E may actually prevent Parkinsonsdisease from developing in the first place! 8
Where to Get Your Vitamin D and Vitamin E From?
The One Show: Michael J Fox On Hopes To Find Parkinsons Cure
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Anosmia i.e. a loss of sense of smell sometimes occurs “several years” before other symptoms develop, the NHS stated. Parkinson’s is estimated to affect 127,000 people in the UK alone. Exactly why Parkinson’s occurs is still unknown, although a combination of genetic and environmental factors are said to be responsible. When dopamine levels plummet, physical movement is affected, which can lead to a number of side effects.
Recommended Reading: What Essential Oils Are Good For Parkinson’s Disease
Progress Towards A Skin Swab Test
These early findings were exciting and encouraging. The scientists knew that if they were able to identify a unique chemical signature in the skin linked to Parkinsons, they may eventually be able to diagnose the condition from simple skin swabs.
There is currently no definitive test for Parkinsons disease, with diagnosis based on a patients symptoms and medical history, a process that can take several years. The development of a test like this would therefore be a game-changer for the Parkinsons community.
With Joys help, the research team, now led by Perdita at the University of Manchester, continued to make progress. In 2019, they announced a major breakthrough the discovery of chemicals enriched in skin swabs from people with Parkinsons.
This key discovery led to further research to profile the complex chemical signature in sebum of people with Parkinsons. Through this work, scientists found subtle but fundamental changes as the condition progressed.
This meant that a skin swab could potentially not only be used to diagnose Parkinsons, but could also be used to monitor the development of the condition.
Professor Perdita Barran said: We believe that our results are an extremely encouraging step towards tests that could be used to help diagnose and monitor Parkinsons. Not only is the test quick, simple and painless but it should also be extremely cost-effective because it uses existing technology that is already widely available.
Naturaltreatment For Parkinsons #6 Magnesium & Iodine:
Magnesium is vital for the health of the entire nervoussystem, especially the protective layer that surrounds the nerves . Magnesiumis also essential for the production of dopamine and helps protect dopaminergicneurons in the substantia nigra from degeneration. In addition to this, new evidence is showing that low levels of magnesium in the brain causes a build-up ofheavy metals a major factor in the development of Parkinsons, Alzheimers,epilepsy and MS. In a recent trial, 30 epileptics were given 450 mg ofmagnesium daily and this successfully controlled their seizures. Ifmagnesium can help epilepsy patients, it can certainly help Parkinsons sufferers. Worldrenowned magnesium expert and author, Dr Carolyn Dean, has both Parkinsons andAlzheimers disease in her top 55 health conditions caused by amagnesium deficiency list and says that magnesium is 100% essential for the preventionand treatment of both of these diseases Dr Carolyn Dean Interview
In regards to iodine, well-known researcher and author,Dr James Howenstein, says
Iodineis found in large quantities in the brain and the ciliary body of the eye. A lackof iodine may be involved in the production of Parkinson’s disease andglaucoma.
Inthe brain, iodine concentrates in the substantia nigra, an area of the brainthat has been associated with Parkinson’s disease.
David Brownstein M.D. 9
Best Sources of Magnesium and Iodine
-What Youll Need
1 cup of Magnesium Chloride Flakes
1 cup of Distilled Water
Also Check: What Are Early Warning Signs Of Parkinson’s Disease
When To See Your Doctor
Its easy to assume these problems have other causes, and they often do. But any of these non-motor symptoms can have a big impact on your overall quality of life.
Having one or more doesnt necessarily mean you have Parkinsons disease or that youll eventually develop it. But its worth consulting with your doctor.
Tell your doctor if youre concerned about having Parkinsons disease. Although theres no cure, there are medications to help control symptoms.
Losing My Sense Of Smell To Parkinson’s
Barrie talks about how losing his sense of smell was one of the first Parkinsons symptoms he experienced. We also meet Dr Clara O’Brien who talks about managing this symptom.
I was around 30 when I first went to the GP. I remember smelling something awful, like electrical burning an ionised, smouldering aroma.
It had happened a couple of times, until one day I lost my sense of smell completely.
My GP put it down to scuba diving when I was younger, and how the pressure may have damaged something. He said there was little they could do, and Id just have to get used to it.
Almost 20 years later, after developing a tremor in my finger, I was given a diagnosis of Parkinsons. It was only then that I found out the two were linked.
Your sense of smell affects your sense of taste, so I cant really taste things either. Ive mostly gotten used to it, but I have had to adapt the way I do things.
In the kitchen, Im a very heavy seasoner. You really need to love garlic and spice if you want to try my cooking. I live with my wife and grown-up daughter. My wife usually taste-tests things and deems if theyre passable for other people.
We have lots of carbon monoxide detectors in the house. It’s a worry, but you have to just deal with it.
Not having a sense of smell does have its advantages. Our dog creates some very bad odours, none of which I have to worry about. I also went to Glastonbury, and not being able to smell the toilets is nothing short of a super power.
Also Check: Freddie Roach Brain Damage
What Causes Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons comes under the dementia umbrella. Its adegenerative disease of the nervous system that causes a loss of motor skillsand intentional movement. When someone has Parkinsons, the part of the brainthat controls muscular movements and mood function doesnt receive enough ofthe crucial dopamine chemical. Without enough dopamine, bodily movements,learning abilities and mood levels are severely affected. So-called normalfunctions such as speaking, writing, swallowing, walking and sleeping become difficultto perform. These challenges, combined with a lowering of mood levels is whymany Parkinsons patients suffer with depression.
Scent Of Muskthe Woman Who Can Smell Parkinson’s
Joy Milne and her valuable nose
On St. Andrews beach on Scotland’s east coast, you might run across a solitary woman on occasion, walking close to the water where the sand is wet and firm. The North Sea wind blows her gray hair over her ears as the woman closes her eyes and holds her nose into the wind. Her nose quivers and lifts, as though she’s about to sneeze.
The woman’s name is Joy Milne. She spent 26 years working as a nurse, raised three sons and cared for her ailing husband. Now, she is widowed. She spends her time traveling and enjoys taking long walks. She is 69 years old.
Her nose is a bit crooked perhaps, neither particularly big nor particularly small, and when she takes her glasses off, which she does to look out at the sea, you can see two dimples where they usually rest. But Milne’s nose is special: She has a much better sense of smell than most people.
She can smell coffee even before she opens the door of a café and registers the scent of her grandchildren before she wraps them up in a hug. But she can also smell things during the day that she doesn’t necessarily want to smell.
Exhaust fumes, butcher shops, perfume stores, the air in airplane cabins: Joy Milne’s nose runs and bleeds when the world around her stinks. Not only that, but unpleasant odors make her cold. Her escape is the North Sea.
Something Monumental
Enemy in the Brain
A sebum swab from the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology.
‘A Strong, Masculine, Musky Smell’
Deep Purple
You May Like: Weighted Bracelets Tremor
Finding A Super Smeller
Lead author on the study, Perdita Barran, says she first learned about the woman who can smell Parkinsons from her colleague Tito Kunath at the University of Edinburgh. He had given a public talk on his Parkinsons research, and the woman was in the audience. As Barran tells it, she got up at the end of presentation and said thats all well and good that youre doing this, but why arent you doing something about the fact that people with Parkinsons smell?
Initially shrugging it off, Kunath called Barran, professor of mass spectrometry at the University of Manchester, the next day and they talked it over. Was the woman referring to the fact that Parkinsons patients often lose their sense of smell? Or making a rude comment about a patients personal hygiene? It wasnt until another friend also with a great sense of smell heard the story and encouraged them to seek out the woman.
They tracked her down. She was Joy Milne, a retired nurse living in Perth, a town near Edinburgh. Decades earlier, Milne had noticed a sudden onset of a strange odor in her now-late husband. He was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease many years later.