This woman 'smelled' Parkinson's in her husband: Scientists develop a test

A British woman identified Parkinson's in her husband through smell , long before doctors could diagnose him. This extraordinary case has opened a new avenue for the development of early detection tests , revolutionizing the way this neurodegenerative disease is treated. How are scientists developing a new type of test for this condition?

According to the BBC, the story began when Joy Milne, a woman from Scotland, noticed that her husband, Les, had a distinct body odor, like a "subtle musk," years before he was diagnosed with Parkinson's . At the time, she didn't think much of it. However, when she attended a meeting of people with the disease years later, she realized they all shared that same scent.

Parkinson's currently affects more than 10 million people worldwide, and there's no cure. Therefore, early diagnosis can make a difference, allowing for the initiation of therapies that slow its progression and improve the patient's quality of life.

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What does it mean to have a highly developed sense of smell?

Intrigued by this ability, Joy was tested by scientists at the University of Manchester. The results were surprising: she could identify people with Parkinson's solely by smell, with accuracy far superior to chance. This motivated researchers to study the phenomenon in depth.

This happened because the woman suffers from hyperosmia, a condition involving an abnormally heightened olfactory sensitivity, where people perceive odors with a much greater intensity than usual. This condition can be a desirable quality in certain professions, such as perfumer or sommelier, or it can cause discomfort and difficulties in daily life.

But in this case, she was very lucky. Through a chemical analysis of skin samples (sebum) from people with and without Parkinson's , scientists found specific volatile organic compounds in the patients. These are the substances Joy had unknowingly detected olfactorily.

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Is there a Parkinson's smell test?

This discovery has led to the development of a test based on the analysis of sebum, the skin's natural fat. Unlike other more invasive or delayed diagnostic methods, this test could identify Parkinson's before motor symptoms become evident, opening a window of opportunity for early treatment.

Although still in the study phase, the research team hopes this method can be implemented clinically in the coming years. Early tests indicate an accuracy rate of nearly 95% in detecting confirmed cases.

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Joy Milne, who now actively collaborates with research centers, has been recognized for her unique contribution. Her extraordinary sense of smell not only changed her personal life, but could also change the fate of millions of people facing this disease.