There may be changes that they don’t recognize, but we will. I read a story recently about a CarePartner who noticed a change in the way her partner smelled, a musky odor, and she is now working with researchers to find if this could be a test for early signs of PD. It’s amazing what a Partner will spot that the Person with Parkinson’s may not notice for themselves.

Speaking of smell, not only can PD make someone’s body smell different, it can also mess with their ability to smell things around them. My husband’s choice in foods has changed over the past 10 years and I am sure it is because his sense of smell and taste have been impacted. His voice and visual acuity are also being challenged as the musculature that controls both of these activities reacts more slowly and at times feels disconnected to his brain. I am not sure whether his body is no longer able to keep him warm or if another PD disconnect constantly tells him he is cold, but I find he is either turning up the thermostat or adding a sweater even on warmer days.

When I see something new or different in our day, I try to provide non-judgmental feedback to him remembering that he may not recognize what is happening at all. I also try to make sure that we discuss all changes, no matter how small, with his Neurologist and PCP. Changes will happen and we need to be on the same page so that we can try to understand the causes and work to minimize the impacts whenever possible. He can’t address a challenge that he isn’t aware of. If I make sure to let him know I’m seeing something new, then we can face it together.

To read more about this study visit Musky Smell and Parkinson’s Disease | Psychology Today. To learn more about the unusual PD symptoms visit 10 Lesser-Known Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms | Parkinson’s Disease (michaeljfox.org).