Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurological condition affecting around 153,000 people in the UK, is often associated with tremors and movement difficulties. However, experts are highlighting a lesser-known early symptom: loss of smell, or anosmia, which can appear years before other signs.
According to the NHS, this symptom 'sometimes occurs several years before other symptoms develop', including those affecting mobility. Parkinson's UK reports that up to 95% of people with the condition experience some degree of smell loss, making it one of the most common early indicators.
The charity warns that anosmia can have significant impacts on daily life. 'We rely on our sense of smell to taste food, so reduced smell can lead to weight loss or weight gain,' it states. 'It can also affect your mood, relationships and overall quality of life. In addition, loss of smell can affect your safety – for example, being unable to smell food burning.'
Unlike many Parkinson's symptoms, loss of smell does not respond to medication, meaning it is unlikely to improve with treatment. The condition also brings psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and memory difficulties, alongside the more well-known motor symptoms.
While the majority of Parkinson's patients are over 50, around 1% are younger. The NHS advises that anyone experiencing persistent loss of smell should consult their GP, as it may be an early sign of the disease.
