Why Parkinson’s Can Affect Sense of Smell

News admin May 9, 2026

Changes to smell are surprisingly common in Parkinson’s disease and can appear years before diagnosis. This article explains why Parkinson’s can affect smell, how it impacts daily life, and what practical steps may help.

A symptom many people do not expect

When most people think about Parkinson’s disease, they usually think about tremor, stiffness, slowness of movement, or balance difficulties. But Parkinson’s can also affect senses and functions that are much less visible — including the sense of smell.

For some people, changes in smell happen gradually and are easy to overlook at first. Others may notice they can no longer smell certain foods, flowers, perfumes, or everyday household scents in the same way they once could.

This symptom is known as hyposmia, meaning a reduced ability to smell. In some cases, smell can disappear almost completely.

Although it may sound like a minor issue compared to movement symptoms, smell plays a surprisingly important role in daily life, appetite, enjoyment, memory, safety, and emotional wellbeing.

Why does Parkinson’s affect smell?

According to Parkinson’s UK, non-motor symptoms such as smell loss are common in Parkinson’s disease and can sometimes appear years before diagnosis.

Researchers believe smell changes in Parkinson’s are linked to changes happening in parts of the brain and nervous system involved in processing smell signals.

In fact, smell loss is now recognised as one of the common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. For some people, it may appear years before movement symptoms develop.

Not everyone with Parkinson’s experiences smell loss in the same way, but it is thought to affect a large number of people living with the condition.

The change is usually gradual rather than sudden, which is one reason many people do not immediately notice it happening.

How smell changes can affect daily life

Smell is closely connected to taste and enjoyment of food. When smell becomes weaker, meals may start to feel less enjoyable or less satisfying.

Some people notice:

food tasting bland or different
reduced appetite
difficulty noticing spoiled food
less enjoyment from cooking
missing familiar comforting smells

Smell also plays a role in safety. It can become harder to notice:

gas leaks
burning food
smoke
strong chemicals

For some people, smell changes can feel emotionally upsetting too. Familiar scents are strongly linked to memory and comfort, so losing that connection can sometimes feel surprisingly isolating.

It is not “just ageing”

Changes in smell can happen naturally as people get older, but Parkinson’s-related smell loss is often more noticeable and may happen earlier.

Because the change is gradual, many people assume it is simply part of ageing or allergies. Others may only realise how much their smell has changed after speaking with family members or healthcare professionals.

It is also important to remember that smell loss can have many possible causes, including colds, sinus conditions, medications, and other neurological conditions.

If someone notices a major or sudden change in smell, it is always sensible to discuss it with a GP or healthcare professional.

Can smell return?

There is currently no guaranteed treatment that fully restores smell loss caused by Parkinson’s disease.

However, many people find practical adaptations can make everyday life easier and more enjoyable.

These may include:

using herbs and spices to strengthen flavours
focusing on texture and colour in meals
checking expiry dates carefully
using smoke and gas detectors around the home
asking family members to help check food freshness

Some people also find it helpful simply understanding that smell changes are a recognised part of Parkinson’s and not something they are imagining.

The hidden side of Parkinson’s

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Loss of smell is another reminder that Parkinson’s affects far more than movement alone.

Many symptoms are invisible to other people, including fatigue, sleep disruption, anxiety, concentration difficulties, bladder issues, pain, and sensory changes.

Because these symptoms are less obvious, they are sometimes overlooked or underestimated by others.

That is one reason supportive spaces and conversations can matter so much. Sharing experiences often helps people realise they are not alone in what they are noticing or feeling.

Small adjustments can still make a difference

Even when symptoms cannot be completely removed, small adjustments can still improve comfort and confidence in everyday life.

Whether it is adapting meals, making the home safer, or simply understanding why something is happening, practical support can reduce frustration and uncertainty.

Parkinson’s affects everyone differently, and there is no single “correct” experience of the condition.

But recognising and talking about hidden symptoms like smell loss can help create greater understanding — both for people living with Parkinson’s and those around them.

Hullbridge Parkinson’s Cafe provides a calm and welcoming community space for people living with Parkinson’s, families, carers, and friends to connect and feel understood.

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