Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that affects nearly 150,000 people in the UK and has a number of symptoms – one of which is a decreased sense of smell

Parkinson’s disease, a neurological condition with no known cure, affects approximately 153,000 individuals in the UK, presenting a range of symptoms including arm and hand tremors.

Each person’s journey with Parkinson’s is distinct, with variations in both symptom progression and type.

While the majority of those affected are over the age of 50, about one per cent fall outside this age bracket.

The three primary symptoms most commonly associated with Parkinson’s involve physical movement, but there’s a lesser-known early indicator that can precede these more noticeable signs: a reduced sense of smell, or anosmia, which can occur years before other symptoms develop.

Dr Beckie Port, research communications lead at Parkinson’s UK, emphasised the complexity of the disease, stating: “Parkinson’s is complex. There are over 40 symptoms which vary from freezing and rigidity to anxiety and sleeping problems.”

She added: “It affects everyone differently and no two people present with the same symptoms. Many people tell us, they experience symptoms related to their Parkinson’s for a number of years before a formal diagnosis, but the dots were never connected.”

In addition to physical symptoms, Parkinson’s can also manifest in mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and memory problems. According to Surrey Live, one of the earliest signs of Parkinson’s for some individuals is a loss of smell, or anosmia.

The NHS has shed light on a lesser-known symptom of Parkinson’s which “sometimes occurs several years before other symptoms develop” associated with movement, noting that up to 95% of those with the condition experience a change in their sense of smell “to some degree”.

Although often overlooked, this “hidden” symptom has real-world implications for individuals unable to relish food aromas, with potential effects on body weight and even personal safety. The prominent charity pointed out: “Loss of smell can affect people in different ways.

“We rely on our sense of smell to taste food, so reduced smell can lead to weight loss or weight gain. 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.

“It does not respond to Parkinson’s medication, so is unlikely to get better even with this treatment.”

Dr Port has expressed concern over the lack of definitive tests for diagnosing the ailment: “To date there is no definitive test for Parkinson’s, which is highly problematic, nor a cure or treatment to stop Parkinson’s progressing. But the earlier people are diagnosed in their Parkinson’s journey, the sooner they can receive help to manage their condition.”

With the astounding statement, “Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world so we urgently need to fund more research, to better our understanding of the causes, signs and treatments of this degenerative condition affecting more than 145,000 people in the UK.”

the urgency for further research becomes clear. As it stands, over 145,000 individuals across the UK are grappling with the reality of this degenerative disease.