Olfaction function improves in a specialised unit for Parkinson's disease

In-patient treatment of patients with Parkinson's disease is common in specialized units. Reports on the efficacy of this hospitalisation often focus on rating scale outcomes. They measure motor and non motor symptoms, but did not include standardised evaluation of olfaction. Objectives were to determine the effects of this therapeutic setting on motor and non motor behaviour of in-patients with Parkinson's disease. We rated disease symptoms and assessed olfaction within standardised conditions at the beginning and at the end of their hospital stay. Motor and non motor symptoms improved. Their extent of amelioration was associated to each other. Execution of the smelling test became better. The degree of olfaction enhancement was not related to the change of motor and non motor features. Results of this observational investigation reflect the benefits of in-patient treatment in Parkinson's disease. The increased olfactory function may result from better cognitive abilities and enhanced attention as consequence of modified drug treatment.