Parkinson's disease: Early symptoms you may not recognise, including little-known nose issue

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative condition in Ireland, after Alzheimer's, with an estimated 18,000 people currently living with the condition. Affecting 1 to 2 in every 1,000 people, Parkinson's is more common in those over 80, although it can develop in younger people as well.

It is most commonly diagnosed in people aged in their 60s, but in rare cases, symptoms appear before the age of 20. Those diagnosed between 40 and 60 are considered to have Early Onset Parkinson's, while diagnoses before the age of 40 are called Young Onset Parkinson's

Despite being a lifelong condition, symptoms can be managed effectively with medication, allowing individuals to live fulfilling lives for many years.

Although the most common Parkinson's symptoms are tremors, stiffness and slowness of movement, Parkinson’s Ireland highlights that the condition has over 40 different symptoms, including some that are less visible and can appear long before the more obvious signs.

One of these early symptoms, often overlooked, is a reduced sense of smell. For some people, this loss of smell (anosmia) can be one of the first signs of Parkinson's, occurring several years before other symptoms emerge. This reduced sense of smell can also lead to changes in taste, affecting eating habits and even mood.

Young-onset Parkinson's has its own set of symptoms, which can include tremors, muscle rigidity, slowness of movement, depression, sleep disturbances and memory problems. However, those with young-onset Parkinson's typically experience fewer issues with memory loss and balance, but may face more cramping and abnormal postures, such as foot arching.

According to Parkinson's Ireland, the symptoms of Young-Onset Parkinson's disease are:

• Tremor of the hands, arms, legs, or face
• Rigidity of the limbs and trunk
• Slowness of movement
• Gradual loss of spontaneous movement (bradykinesia)
• Impaired balance
• Lack of coordination
• Depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Impaired memory or thinking
• Difficulties with urination or constipation
• Reduced sense of smell

The loss of smell, in particular, doesn't improve with Parkinson's medication, which can further affect quality of life and safety, such as the inability to detect a burning smell.

Parkinson's UK said: "Loss of smell can affect people in different ways. We rely on our sense of smell to taste food, so reduced smell can lead to weight loss or weight gain. It can also affect your mood, relationships and overall quality of life. In addition, loss of smell can affect your safety – for example, being unable to smell food burning. It does not respond to Parkinson's medication, so is unlikely to get better even with this treatment."

The condition can also cause significant emotional distress, as younger people often struggle to get a diagnosis due to Parkinson's being more commonly associated with older adults.

A Parkinson's Ireland spokesperson said: "In general, people with young-onset PD less frequently have memory loss, confusion, and balance difficulties. They tend to experience more cramping and abnormal postures, such as the arching of the foot, and depression. Due to PD mostly known to as an older person's disease younger people often struggle to get a diagnosis."

Dr Beckie Port, research communications lead at Parkinson's UK, previously told the Liverpool Echo: "Parkinson's is complex. There are over 40 symptoms which vary from freezing and rigidity to anxiety and sleeping problems. It affects everyone differently and no two people present with the same symptoms. Many people tell us, they experience symptoms related to their Parkinson's for a number of years before a formal diagnosis, but the dots were never connected."

If you suspect you or someone you know may have Parkinson's disease, it's important to consult with your GP.

For Parkinson's information or support, Parkinson's Ireland has a range of branches and local services across Ireland. You can find your nearest HERE.

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