Loss of Smell and Sleep Movements May Signal Parkinson's Disease 20 Years Before Hand Tremors Appear

Loss of smell and unusual movements during sleep can be early warning signs of Parkinson's disease that appear up to 20 years before the characteristic hand tremors develop, according to Matej Škorvánek, a neurologist and professor at a Slovak medical university. Škorvánek emphasized that active physical movement is currently the only proven method to slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. The neurologist identified several regions in Slovakia where neurodegenerative diseases occur at higher rates due to human industrial activity, including the areas around Detva and Poltár, which were centers of heavy industry. Higher incidences of these diseases are also observed in southeastern Slovakia, suggesting environmental factors may contribute to their development.