 A new study found that a person’s inability to smell could be a sign that their multiple sclerosis (MS) is progressing. For people with progressive MS, the rate of progression is unknown, a fact that frustrates both medical experts and people with the disease. Changes in the sense of smell could be related to other illness or issues, or could be age-related. But for a person with MS it may mean that a relapse is coming. So, finding tools to help doctors track progression is important for both disease management and quality of life. Linking MS and sense of smell The results of the study suggest that olfactory dysfunction could be due to central nervous system damage caused by demyelination. That means the sense of smell might be a marker for disease progression in MS patients. It is known that olfactory issues can come on strong in early MS or can flare up during relapses. |
