The Peanut Butter Smell Test Link to Brain Disease

Loss of sense of smell may be one of the most important early signals of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. The peanut butter smell test is based on the observation that the sense of smell is often the first of the seven senses affected by neurodegenerative diseases. The ability to smell is associated with the first cranial nerve and is often one of the first things to be affected in cognitive decline.

This test was developed by researchers at the University of Florida as a way to easily and inexpensively screen for early signs of the disease.

How It Works

This test involves measuring someone’s ability to smell peanut butter through both nostrils separately. Peanut butter is chosen because its scent can only be detected by the olfactory nerve and therefore easily accessible for testing purposes. A picture is worth a thousand words, and so please check out this short video explanation of how the test is administered.

Research Results

Studies have demonstrated that people living with neurodegenerative disease typically exhibit reduced smell abilities years before other symptoms such as motor difficulties become noticeable. The peanut butter smell test provides an effective and noninvasive means of quickly alerting you to a potential problem.

If you think you or someone you love might be at risk, ask your healthcare practitioner to order additional tests. To learn more AND contribute to important new brain health research, visit the Michael J. Fox Foundation website at https://www.michaeljfox.org/ppmi.

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Resources:

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Xing F, Mo Y, Chen X, Liu T, Wang K, Hu P. Using the Chinese Smell Identification Test to explore olfactory function in Parkinson’s disease. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2021 Mar;43(2):156-162. doi: 10.1080/13803395.2021.1891207. Epub 2021 Mar 4. PMID: 33657978.

Yoshii F, Onaka H, Kohara S, Ryo M, Takahashi W. Association of Smell Identification Deficit with Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale, Japanese Version Scores and Brain Atrophy in Patients with Dementia. Eur Neurol. 2019;81(3-4):145-151. doi: 10.1159/000501311. Epub 2019 Jun 26. PMID: 31242486.

Deeb J, Shah M, Muhammed N, Gunasekera R, Gannon K, Findley LJ, Hawkes CH. A basic smell test is as sensitive as a dopamine transporter scan: comparison of olfaction, taste and DaTSCAN in the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. QJM. 2010 Dec;103(12):941-52. doi: 10.1093/qjmed/hcq142. Epub 2010 Aug 23. PMID: 20736182.