Loss of smell and Parkinson's Disease

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- The link between the loss of smell and a neurodegenerative disorder: there's a major study underway on Parkinson's Disease.

Bob Wachstein was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease four years ago.

"I was developing slight tremors in my right hand," said Bob.

Since then researchers at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders in New Haven have a better understanding of a possible risk factor.

"It turns out that by far, most people at the time they develop Parkinson's Disease have already largely lost their sense of smell," said Dr. David Russell.

Bob was on a cruise, years before his diagnosis, when he realized something was wrong.

"The ship tied up next to a sewage treatment plant and everybody was holding their nose and I didn't notice anything," Bob said.

Now, a more ambitious study is underway.

"We want to be able to identify and diagnose disease very early, hopefully we can intervene very early," said Dr. Russell.

It begins with participants taking the smell identification test, where they scratch and sniff.

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Loss of smell and Parkinson's Disease