Last week the study was showcased in the newsletter of the PPMI (Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative). It was interesting to read the details of something I had been a tiny part of.
"Research has found that smell loss is an important indicator of brain health. PPMI recruited people aged 60 years or older who did not have a PD (Parkinson's Disease) diagnosis to take a smell test. Over 49,000 people received the smell test. 63 percent of people who received the smell test completed it. 27 percent of people who completed the smell test had low scores, meaning they showed signs of smell loss (hyposmia). Those who showed signs of smell loss were then invited to take a brain scan (DAT scan) to look for signs of reduced dopamine activity in the brain, which is often used to help diagnose PD.
In study results, PPMI investigators found that the worse someone’s sense of smell was, the more likely they were to have an abnormal brain scan. Among the people who took a brain scan, 69 percent showed signs that could lead to early Parkinson’s. Over half of the people who had smell loss and abnormal brain scans also tested positive for alpha-synuclein in the SAA test. Findings from this study show that testing for smell loss may be one of the best tools to find people in the earliest stages of PD. This could help researchers screen for early PD prevention trials and develop better tests and treatments."
If you'd like to get into the detail weeds you can read more here.
Five years ago today: The Assistant
Very interesting and good for you on participating Kathy! -Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteVery cool that you're doing this. Interesting about the smell. Back when I had long Covid, ten months Zero smell. But I could taste everything just fine.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting and informative, I have a great sense of Smell so I guess I wouldn't be as high risk, which is good to know. Remember when those with COVID often lost their senses of Smell and Taste? I got COVID twice and both times didn't lose either sense, even tho' I got it very bad the 1st time and thought I would surely Die horribly from it. Second time wasn't as bad coz I guess I'd built up a more Natural Immunity and also was Vaxxed and Boosted as much as they'd allow us to be. *winks*
ReplyDeleteThat is interesting. Kathy and as a former researcher in some capacities, I really appreciate those who participate and contribute. Thank you so much! Aloha!
ReplyDeleteWell, What an incredible thing to be part of even in a small way!It’s amazing how something as simple as a smell test can play such a key role in early detection and research for Parkinson’s.
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