Hyposmia represents a sign that should not be underestimated for early diagnosis.
Spring and its smells as an early test for Parkinson's disease.
With the arrival of spring, nature awakens and brings with it a symphony of scents: wisteria wrapping around arbors, roses blooming in gardens, freshly cut grass in city parks.
Spending hours outdoors is a practice that always has positive effects, both physical and psychological, but at this time it is really a pleasure especially for the sense of smell.
Yet if suddenly these familiar smells seem to fade or, even worse, are completely absent, it may be a sign not to be overlooked. According to numerous scientific researches, loss of the sense of smell, known as hyposmia, is one of the early symptoms of Parkinson's, and can occur up to 10 years earlier than the better-known motor disorders.
A silent but widespread symptom.
Clinical studies and neurological observations have found that about the 95% of people with Parkinson's disease have olfactory disturbances, often already at an early stage. This finding, although little known, is extremely significant: it shows a direct correlation between olfactory changes and the evolution of Parkinson's disease.
What makes understanding this early symptom difficult is the subjectivity of smell perception. In fact, not all patients complain of losing the ability to smell completely, because often only the threshold of perception is lowered: very intense olfactory stimuli are still felt.
This means that while a delicate scent may escape, a strong, pungent odor becomes the only one to be recognized-a change that may go unnoticed but deserves attention.
Innovative olfactory testing: from research to early diagnosis.
To make early identification of Parkinson's-related olfactory disorders easier, researchers at the Queen Mary University of London have developed a new noninvasive test.
The test involves the use of aromatic capsules containing essential oils, which are squeezed between the fingers to release a scent-a simple, inexpensive solution that is also suitable for those with motor difficulties, such as tremor patients.
In a pilot study, this method proved more effective than the classic scratch-and-sniff test, showing high ease of use and good accuracy.
Neuroscientist Johannes Frasnelli, an expert in the link between the sense of smell and neurodegenerative diseases, in an interview with Eurac Research, a private research center based in Bolzano, underscored the importance of this often underestimated sense:
“95% of patients with Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease suffer from olfactory disturbances, which may appear ten to fifteen years before other symptoms. This is obviously very interesting, because it opens up the possibility of early diagnosis.”
Early diagnosis requires knowing how to listen to the body.
Loss of sense of smell is just one of many Early symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
These can manifest very differently from person to person and are often not immediately linked to the disease. Mild tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movements, difficulty walking, loss of facial expressiveness, as well as fatigue, irritability or depression, are all signs that should not be underestimated.
Among the less recognized but highly indicative early symptoms is precisely. hyposmia, namely reduced perception of odors. Often overlooked by patients and not thoroughly investigated by physicians, hyposmia can also reduce enjoyment of eating and appetite, negatively affecting quality of life.
If common smells such as banana, licorice or pickled gherkins begin to fade, it is important to talk to your doctor. Recognizing early Parkinson's symptoms can make a difference, especially with a view to prevention and individualized treatments.
A nonpharmacological therapy to improve walking in Parkinson's disease.
Even when the sense of smell begins to fail, one should not be discouraged. Spring, with its intense colors and light that lengthens the days, remains an invitation to live in the present, to get out, to move. And it is precisely on movement that the Gondola AMPS therapy focuses, a non-invasive, non-drug solution designed for those who have difficulty walking caused by Parkinson's or other neurological disorders.
La AMPS Gondola Therapy acts through targeted sensory stimulation on the feet, which is capable of improving brain connectivity and reducing the symptoms of walking freezing, restoring stability and fluidity to movements. The treatment, which takes less than two minutes and can be done in the comfort of your own home, allows you to regain autonomy and confidence in your steps.
For those living with Parkinson's disease, even something as simple as walking in the greenery of a park, or enjoying an afternoon outdoors, can once again become a peaceful and rewarding experience. Because spring can be fully experienced even when smells become more muted, if the body finds a new balance.
Sources:
New smell test could diagnose Parkinson's disease, 2022
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