Philadelphia, PA — Emerging research confirms that olfactory dysfunction is one of the most reliable early warning signs of neurodegenerative diseases. According to Richard Doty, PhD, FAAN, Director of the Smell and Taste Center at the University of Pennsylvania and lead consultant for Sensonics International, an impaired sense of smell affects nearly 95% of Parkinson’s disease patients.
“Studies show that a deficit in smelling can develop several years before classic motor symptoms like tremors appear,” says Dr. Doty. “Low olfactory test scores are now recognized as a potential precursor to both Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.”
The connection between the nose and the brain is foundational. Research indicates that aberrant proteins associated with brain disorders often accumulate first in the olfactory bulb. By using standardized tools like the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT®), clinicians can detect these subtle sensory changes long before traditional diagnostic markers emerge.
Dr. Doty’s research, published in Lancet Neurology, also identifies a link between smell loss and the depletion of a critical neurotransmitter. “The olfactory system is uniquely exposed to the environment, making it a primary window into the brain’s health,” Dr. Doty explains.
While aging, viral infections (including COVID-19), head trauma, and other disorders can impact sensory function, persistent anosmia (total loss of smell) or hyposmia (partial loss) should be evaluated by a professional. Early screening through quantitative smell testing offers a non-invasive, cost-effective way to monitor neurological wellness.
As the industry leader in the development of smell and taste tests, Sensonics International continues to provide quantitative tools necessary for researchers and clinicians to improve detriment in the ability to smell.