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Olfaction as a biomarker in Parkinson's disease
1Parkinson's Disease Research, Education & Clinical Center, Philadelphia VA Medical Center & Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Biomarkers in Medicine
|October 16, 2010
Summary
Olfactory dysfunction is common in Parkinson's disease (PD) and may indicate where the disease begins. This olfactory deficit shows promise as an early diagnostic biomarker for PD progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Olfactory dysfunction is a prevalent early symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD).
- The olfactory system is implicated as a potential site for the initiation of neurodegeneration in PD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review studies characterizing olfactory deficits in Parkinson's disease.
- To explore the potential of olfactory dysfunction as an early diagnostic biomarker and predictor of clinical outcomes in PD.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on olfactory dysfunction in Parkinson's disease.
- Analysis of pathological studies suggesting the olfactory system as an induction site for neurodegeneration.
Main Results:
- Olfactory dysfunction is a common finding in Parkinson's disease.
- Pathological evidence suggests the olfactory system may be an early site of neurodegeneration in PD.
Conclusions:
- Olfactory dysfunction holds significant potential as an early diagnostic biomarker for Parkinson's disease.
- It may serve as a predictor of clinical outcomes and a marker of disease progression, independent of therapeutic interventions.
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