Hyposmia is a signal not to underestimate for early diagnosis.
Springtime and its scents as an early test for Parkinson’s.
As spring arrives, nature awakens, bringing with it a symphony of fragrances: wisteria winding around pergolas, roses blooming in gardens, and freshly cut grass in city parks
Spending time outdoors always has positive physical and psychological effects, but during this season, it’s particularly pleasant for the sense of smell.
However, if these familiar smells suddenly seem to fade—or worse, disappear entirely—it could be a warning sign that shouldn’t be overlooked. According to numerous scientific studies, loss of smell, known as hyposmia, is one of the early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and may appear up to 10 years before the more well-known motor symptoms.
A silent yet widespread symptom.
Clinical studies and neurological observations have found that about 95% of people with Parkinson’s disease experience olfactory disorders, often already in the early stages. This fact, although not widely known, is extremely significant: it highlights a direct correlation between olfactory alterations and the progression of Parkinson’s.
What makes this early symptom difficult to interpret is the subjectivity of scent perception. Not all patients report a total loss of smell, as the perception threshold often merely decreases—intense olfactory stimuli may still be detected.
This means that while a delicate fragrance might go unnoticed, only strong and pungent odors are recognized—an alteration that may slip under the radar but deserves attention.
Innovative smell tests: from research to early diagnosis.
To facilitate the early identification of olfactory disorders linked to Parkinson’s, researchers at Queen Mary University of London have developed a new non-invasive test.
The test uses aromatic capsules filled with essential oils, which are crushed between the fingers to release a scent: a simple, cost-effective solution, also suitable for those with motor difficulties, such as patients with tremors.
In a pilot study, this method proved to be more effective than the traditional “scratch and sniff” test, demonstrating ease of use and a good level of accuracy.
Neuroscientist Johannes Frasnelli, an expert in the connection between smell and neurodegenerative diseases, also emphasized the importance of this often-overlooked sense in an interview with Eurac Research, a private research center based in Bolzano:
“95% of patients with Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s suffer from olfactory disorders, which can appear ten to fifteen years before other symptoms. This is obviously very interesting, as it opens the door to early diagnosis.”
To achieve early diagnosis, one must learn to listen to the body.
Loss of smell is just one of the many initial symptoms of Parkinson’s.
These can present in highly varied ways from person to person and are often not immediately associated with the disease. Mild tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movements, walking difficulties, loss of facial expressiveness, as well as fatigue, irritability, or depression are all signs that should not be underestimated.
Among the lesser-known but highly indicative early symptoms is hyposmia, or reduced smell perception. Often overlooked by patients and not thoroughly investigated by doctors, hyposmia can also decrease the pleasure of eating and appetite, negatively affecting quality of life.
If common scents such as banana, licorice, or pickles start to fade, it’s important to talk to a doctor. Recognizing early symptoms of Parkinson’s can make a significant difference, especially in terms of prevention and personalized treatments.
A non-pharmacological therapy to improve walking in Parkinson’s.
Even when the sense of smell begins to decline, one should not be discouraged. Spring—with its vivid colors and extended daylight—is still an invitation to live in the moment, to go outside, to move. And it’s movement that the Gondola AMPS therapy focuses on: a non-invasive, drug-free solution designed for those experiencing walking difficulties caused by Parkinson’s or other neurological disorders.
The Gondola AMPS therapy works through targeted sensory stimulation on the feet, which can improve brain connectivity and reduce symptoms of gait freezing, restoring stability and fluidity to movement. The treatment lasts less than two minutes and can be comfortably performed at home, allowing individuals to regain independence and confidence in their steps.
For those living with Parkinson’s disease, even a simple gesture like walking through a green park or enjoying an afternoon outdoors can once again become a serene and rewarding experience. Because spring can be fully enjoyed, even when smells fade, if the body finds a new sense of balance.
Sources:
A new smell test could help diagnose Parkinson’s, 2022
Smell could serve as an early warning system for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, 2023
