Olfactory dysfunction is the most common pre-motor symptom in Parkinson’s disease, and smoking is known to be associated with lower risk of PD. This study tested the hypothesis that smoking is associated with better olfaction in PD.

Smoking history was obtained from 76 PD subjects [22 with a history of smoking (smokers), 54 who never smoked (non-smokers)], and 70 Controls (17 smokers, 53 non-smokers). Olfaction was assessed using the 40-item University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). The olfactory scores between groups and subgroups were compared using analysis of covariance with adjustment for age, gender, and MAO-B inhibitor usage.

Overall the olfactory score was lower in PD compared to Controls (olfactory scores: 21.54 vs. 33.45, p<0.0001). Among Controls, there was no significant difference in olfaction between smokers and non-smokers (olfactory scores: 33.2 vs. 34.2, p=0.95). Among PD subjects, however, smokers scored significantly better regarding olfaction compared to non-smokers (olfactory scores: 24.4 vs. 19.9, p=0.02).

These data suggest that history of smoking is associated with better olfaction among PD patients. The finding may be related to why smoking may be protective against PD. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding and investigate the underlying mechanism(s).