A woman with an extraordinary sense of smell is helping scientists develop a swab test to detect Parkinson’s disease early—possibly years before symptoms appear. Joy Milne, a retired nurse from the UK, discovered she could smell a distinct scent on her husband more than a decade before his diagnosis. After confirming her ability in controlled tests, she began working with researchers to identify the compounds responsible.
Now, in partnership with the University of Manchester and the Michael J. Fox Foundation, the team is developing a noninvasive skin swab test. It targets sebum, an oily skin secretion altered in those with Parkinson’s. Early trials show strong promise, and the goal is a simple forehead or upper back swab for early diagnosis. One in four patients are misdiagnosed initially—something this test hopes to change. For Joy, it’s a powerful way to turn a personal gift into life-changing progress.