Losing your sense of smell and taste with Parkinson's is very common — so you're definitely not alone in this experience. In fact, reduced or lost sense of smell is one of the earliest symptoms of Parkinson's, sometimes appearing years before movement symptoms even show up.
Here are some key things to know:
- Around 95% Show Full Answer
Losing your sense of smell and taste with Parkinson's is very common — so you're definitely not alone in this experience. In fact, reduced or lost sense of smell is one of the earliest symptoms of Parkinson's, sometimes appearing years before movement symptoms even show up.
Here are some key things to know:
- Around 95% of people with Parkinson's experience some degree of smell loss
- It can develop slowly over time, which matches what you're describing
- Taste changes can also occur, making food seem less flavorful or different than before
- These sensory changes can affect appetite and make it harder to maintain a balanced diet Because taste and smell affect how much enjoyment you get from food, it's worth mentioning this to your doctor. They can help monitor your nutrition and suggest ways to keep meals appealing — think bold flavors, textures, and temperatures to make eating more satisfying.
It's also worth noting that some MyParkinsonsTeam members have experienced smell-related hallucinations, like smelling cigarette smoke that isn't there. If anything like that happens, flag it with your neurologist.
July 20
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