For years, illness was associated with scent. Plague doctors stuffed perfume-rich florals into the snouts of their masks as a makeshift defense against disease. Early natives followed Spaniards with incense believing their pungent odour would infect them. Could it be possible that ailment carried its own distinct smell?
A study led by Drupad K. Trivedi identified the presence of several volatile organic compound (VOC) biomarkers, all located in the sebum. These biomarkers showed promise; it proposed an alternative to diagnostic procedures. A noninvasive method into identifying presymptomatic Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, in a following study conducted in February of 2021, a comparison between a control group and participants with Parkinson’s disease showed a clear difference in the extracted VOC profile. Researchers found that distinct metabolites in sebum differentiate a person with Parkinson’s using a PLS-DA analysis. Results found elevated levels of octadecanal and eicosane. This indicates that certain compounds are evidently more prominent in comparison to a matched control.
A unique case of hyperosmia sprouted the appropriate curiosity regarding this phenomenon. Namely, Joy Milne, who carried the ability to smell Parkinson’s on her husband six years before he became symptomatic. She noticed that the ‘lovely musk’ aroma of her husband was slowly tainted by something she couldn’t quite grasp. At first, she thought Mr Milne simply decreased his hygienic standards. But by 29, his smell had changed completely, taking more of a ‘nasty yeast’ smell.
To honour her late husband, she agreed to collaborate with scientists to further develop noninvasive diagnostic tools to aid in early detection. She collaborated with Dr Tilo Kunath from Edinburgh University, who partnered with a professor of mass spectrometry, Perdita Barran. Soon, they determined a control group and a matched group with Parkinson’s; they were asked to wear white T-shirts overnight and return them. Joy Milne’s capabilities didn’t disappoint, as she accurately identified all the samples belonging to those who had Parkinson’s, or were transitioning through the early stages. All but one.
Months later, Kunath was contacted by that one participant, only to reveal that he, too, had developed Parkinson’s.
The olfactory aspect of Parkinson’s diagnostics was heavily disregarded by scientists in the past. It seemed ridiculous; why would a disease situated in the brain produce odour? Was it even possible? However, studies that demonstrated the detection of cancer through a dog’s sense of smell opened gateways that would allow such revolutionary advances in alleviating symptoms before they occur. Eventually, the accumulation of certain biomarkers can act as a raft for potential prevention. And maybe, just maybe, become a cure.
So, does Parkinson’s stink? Yes, yes it does.
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