Parkinson’s disease may be detectable through body odor

New research suggests that Parkinson’s disease may leave a detectable chemical signature in human body odor, potentially offering a path toward earlier and more accessible diagnoses. Because Parkinson’s is difficult to identify through standard medical tests alone, researchers are investigating volatile organic compounds found in areas of the body that accumulate skin, oil, and sweat, such as the belly button, the inside of the nose, and the area outside the ear canal.

These specific areas are less likely to be masked by soaps or perfumes, making them reliable sources for studying the human body odor volatilome. The study builds on previous observations by Joy Milne, a woman in Scotland who successfully identified Parkinson’s symptoms through scent years before clinical diagnosis. Researchers in Germany are currently examining these chemical markers to improve diagnostic accuracy.