15 Early Warning Signs of Parkinson's Disease

12. Loss of sense of smell

Loss of smell is an early sign of Parkinson's, though it is often underrecognized. Many people with the disease notice a decreased ability to detect odors or experience a complete loss of smell. This symptom can be subtle at first but becomes more noticeable over time. People may look back and realize that they were losing their sense of smell years before their diagnosis. The loss of smell can impact a person's appetite and enjoyment of food and lead to safety concerns, such as an inability to detect spoiled or dangerous odors in the environment.