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Parkinson's: The Subtle Early Symptom
5 Feb
Summary
- Loss of smell can precede other Parkinson's symptoms by years.
- Around 95% of Parkinson's patients experience some smell decline.
- Smell loss impacts mood, safety, and food enjoyment significantly.
For the approximately 153,000 individuals in the UK living with Parkinson's disease, the progression of symptoms can vary significantly. While most are over 50, a small percentage are younger. Notably, a decline in the sense of smell is a prevalent symptom that can manifest years before movement-related issues become apparent.
This loss of smell affects a vast majority, with up to 95% of Parkinson's patients experiencing it to some degree. It significantly impacts daily life, affecting the enjoyment of food, potentially leading to weight changes, and influencing mood and relationships.
Furthermore, diminished smell poses safety risks, such as failing to detect a fire. Importantly, this symptom does not respond to standard Parkinson's medications, indicating its independent nature and the lack of improvement through current treatments.
