Belly button smell may signal Parkinson's or cognitive decline

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Sept, 16:18 · Archive

Research suggests changes in body odour could indicate Parkinson's disease or cognitive decline.

New research is examining whether Parkinson's disease leaves a detectable chemical signature in body odour, potentially opening the door to earlier diagnosis. The condition currently affects about 153,000 people in the UK and can cause physical symptoms like tremors alongside non-motor issues including depression, anxiety and cognitive impairment. Neither Parkinson's nor cognitive decline can currently be conclusively diagnosed through smell alone.

How it is being reported

• The way your belly button smells could be an early warning sign of Parkinson’sNew York Post · 26 Sept, 16:05
• Your Belly Button's Smell Could Signal Parkinson's Or Cognitive DeclineHuffPost UK · 25 Sept, 10:07

In this story: Parkinson's Foundation · UK

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