Daijiworld Media Network – London

London, Jul 24: In a breakthrough that could revolutionise early diagnosis of neurological disorders, a new study has found that specially trained dogs can detect Parkinson’s disease using smell, with remarkable levels of accuracy.

Published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, the research revealed that two trained dogs were able to correctly identify up to 80% of Parkinson’s cases through skin swab samples, while accurately ruling out healthy individuals 98% of the time.

Parkinson’s is a progressive brain disorder that affects movement and coordination. Among its lesser-known early symptoms is the overproduction of sebum, an oily skin secretion believed to release a distinct odour. Scientists say dogs, with their extraordinary sense of smell, are able to detect these subtle chemical changes.

The study, led by Dr Nicola Rooney of the University of Bristol, involved five dogs, of which two – Bumper, a 2-year-old Golden Retriever, and Peanut, a 3-year-old Black Labrador – cleared the stringent training regimen. The dogs were exposed to over 200 skin swab samples collected from both Parkinson’s patients and healthy volunteers.

In double-blind testing, where even researchers were unaware of which samples were positive, the dogs consistently recognised the disease, regardless of other health conditions present.

Claire Guest, CEO of Medical Detection Dogs, noted the enormous potential of this discovery. “Early diagnosis of Parkinson’s can mean timely interventions that slow progression and improve the patient’s quality of life. Dogs might just help us get there faster,” she said.

Researchers now hope this discovery will help develop a quick, non-invasive, and affordable diagnostic tool for Parkinson’s disease — possibly using either canines or technology inspired by their sensory abilities.