Evidence for deficiencies in perceptual and semantic olfactory processes in Parkinson's disease.
Olfactory deficits have been reported in Parkinson's disease (PD) and are thought to represent a sensitive marker of the disease. The aim of the present study was to examine the differential contribution in olfactory dysfunction of perceptual and semantic processes of odours in PD patients. Twenty-four PD patients (12 males and 12 females) and 24 control subjects (12 males and 12 females) were tested. The experiment included two sessions. Initially, 12 odorants were delivered, one per minute. For each odour, subjects were asked to rate intensity, pleasantness, familiarity and edibility using linear rating scales. The odorants were again presented and the subjects were asked to identify them. The four olfactory judgements and odour identification were severely disturbed in PD patients when compared to control subjects. These findings demonstrate major deficits for all cognitive tasks of olfactory judgement in PD, and suggest that PD is associated with disruption of olfactory areas situated in the temporal lobes and also in the prefrontal cortex.
Hudry
Julie
J
Neuroscience and Sensory Systems, Claude-Bernard University (UMR CNRS 5020), 50 Avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France.
Thobois
Stéphane
S
Broussolle
Emmanuel
E
Adeleine
Patrice
P
Royet
Jean-Pierre
JP
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000978:Antiparkinson Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007980:Levodopa / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009812:Odorants; D000857:Olfaction Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D010465:Perception; D012660:Semantics; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D012903:Smell / Q000502:physiology; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis
D000978:Antiparkinson Agents; D007980:Levodopa