Abstract
There is evidence from numerous studies, using both psychophysical and electrophysiological approaches, that impairment of olfaction is a characteristic and early feature of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Deficits in the sense of smell may precede clinical motor symptoms by years and can be used to assess risk for developing PD in otherwise asymptomatic individuals. Recent data indicate that over 95% of patients with PD present with significant olfactory loss. Thus, olfactory dysfunction should be considered a reliable marker of the disease. This review summarizes the available information about olfactory function in PD, indicating the advantageous use of olfactory probes in early and differential diagnosis.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.