A Scottish nurse was able to “smell” Parkinson’s and detect the disease before the clinical diagnosis was made. Joy Milne smelled a different smell for the first time on her husband, a few years before he was diagnosed with the disease.
Now, Joy organized and participated in a study to identify exactly what that smell would be.
In that analysis, the scientists identified the cells in the skin that would be responsible. Thus, it is possible to make an early disclosure of who may develop the disease.
The research found that several compounds (mainly acids) are more present in the skin of Parkinson’s patients.
These substances are found in the sebum (oily layer of the skin). Although everyone has these acids, they are more present in those who have Parkinson’s, leading to skin peeling, known as seborrheic dermatitis .
The research was done at the University of Manchester, England, and may yield positive results for new tests for early detection.
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Parkinson’s disease (PD)
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is progressive and chronic. Neurons can also die and, unlike other cells, they are not replaced.
