A diminished sense of smell (anosmia) is one of the earliest non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, often appearing years before a formal diagnosis. While it may seem like a minor inconvenience, loss of smell can significantly impact quality of life, affecting taste perception, appetite, and even emotional well-being.
If you or a loved one has noticed a declining sense of smell, understanding why it happens and what can be done is an essential step toward maintaining sensory health and overall well-being.
In this article, we’ll explore:
✅ Why smell loss occurs in Parkinson’s Disease
✅ How it impacts daily life
✅ Nutritional and lifestyle strategies to support sensory function
✅ When to consider testing and intervention
📌 Looking for personalised nutritional support? Book a Discovery Call today to explore ways to optimise your health.
Why Do People with Parkinson’s Lose Their Sense of Smell?
The olfactory system (responsible for smell) is one of the first areas of the brain affected in Parkinson’s Disease. Researchers believe this is due to:
🔬 Accumulation of alpha-synuclein
This protein builds up in the brain and damages neurons, particularly in the olfactory bulb, which is responsible for processing smell.
🔥 Neuroinflammation
Inflammation in the brain can impair the transmission of olfactory signals, reducing the brain’s ability to process smells properly.
🧠 Dopamine Deficiency
Parkinson’s Disease leads to dopaminergic neuron loss, which can affect communication between the nose and brain, diminishing smell perception.
🚨 Medication Side Effects
Some medications commonly prescribed for Parkinson’s Disease can also affect smell and taste perception.
How Loss of Smell Affects Daily Life
The impact of smell loss goes beyond simply missing out on fragrant flowers or fresh coffee, it can lead to:
🥄 Reduced Appetite and Malnutrition
Smell and taste are closely linked, and loss of smell can make food less enjoyable, leading to poor appetite and weight loss.
⚠️ Increased Safety Risks
A diminished sense of smell may prevent individuals from detecting spoiled food, gas leaks, or smoke from a fire, increasing potential safety hazards.
😞 Emotional and Social Impact
Smell is tied to memory and emotions, and losing this ability may contribute to low mood, depression, and social withdrawal.
📌 Need help adapting your diet for sensory loss? Learn more about my nutrition services.
What You Can Do to Support Smell Function
While smell loss is often permanent in Parkinson’s Disease, some nutritional and lifestyle interventions may help slow further decline and enhance sensory function.
1. Optimise Zinc Intake
Zinc plays a vital role in taste and smell perception. Deficiency in this mineral has been linked to impaired olfactory function.
🦪 Zinc-Rich Foods:
- Oysters, crab, and shellfish
- Pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds
- Lentils, quinoa, and chickpeas
- Nuts (cashews, almonds)
📌 Could low zinc levels be contributing to smell loss? Book a Discovery Call to discuss working with me.
2. Try Smell Training Therapy
Olfactory training involves exposing the nose to specific scents daily to help retrain the brain’s ability to detect smells.
🧴 Smell training essentials:
- Choose 4 distinct scents (e.g., rose, eucalyptus, coffee, citrus)
- Smell each scent for 10–15 seconds, twice a day
- Repeat daily for at least 12 weeks
🔍 Why it works:
Studies suggest that regular scent exposure helps the olfactory nerves regenerate and adapt, even in cases of neurological damage.
3. Focus on Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Oxidative stress can worsen neurodegeneration. A diet rich in antioxidants may help protect olfactory neurons.
🍓 Best antioxidant sources:
- Berries (blueberries, strawberries, blackberries)
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale)
- Nuts and seeds (walnuts, flaxseeds)
- Green tea
📌 Want to optimise your brain health through diet? Explore my personalised nutrition plans.
4. Maintain a Healthy Gut
There is growing evidence that the gut microbiome influences olfactory function and brain health. Supporting gut health through diet may indirectly benefit smell perception.
🥬 Gut-friendly foods:
- Probiotic-rich foods (yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut)
- Prebiotic fibre (garlic, onions, asparagus)
- Whole grains and fermented foods
📌 Want to improve gut health and overall brain function? Book a Discovery Call.
When to Seek Further Support
If you have experienced sudden or worsening smell loss, it may be beneficial to:
🔎 Get tested for nutrient deficiencies (zinc, B vitamins, iron)
💊 Review medications with your doctor for potential side effects
🩺 Assess overall neurological health and lifestyle factors
📌 Need expert guidance on improving sensory function and overall nutrition? Book a Discovery Call to discuss a personalised approach.
Take Control of Your Health Today
While smell loss is a common symptom of Parkinson’s Disease, there are nutrition and lifestyle strategies that may help support brain function, sensory health, and overall well-being.
🌱 Are you ready to take charge of your nutrition? Book a Discovery Call today and start your journey to better health.
