Science Elucidates the Reason Behind the 'Old-Person Odor' Phenomenon
In a groundbreaking study published by the Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine in 2010, researchers discovered a remarkable ability that could potentially save lives. This superhuman sense of smell is used to detect Parkinson's disease, a debilitating neurological disorder.
The study, led by Dr. Yumiko Kondo of the Japanese Society for Anti-Allergy Medicine, focused on a specific byproduct found on the skin of older individuals: 2-nonenal. This unsaturated aldehyde is produced during lipid peroxidation, a process involving oxidants attacking carbon-carbon double bond lipids, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Interestingly, the study did not detect 2-nonenal in younger participants, suggesting that the "old people smell" is scientifically validated. This off-putting grassy, greasy odour, reminiscent of candle wax or old pomade, is a result of the air oxidizing the unsaturated fatty acids that the skin secretes, with the flora bacteria on your skin metabolizing it.
Despite common belief, humans are not only capable of identifying the scent of body odour, but they are also particularly adept at pinpointing the scent of fine wine. This heightened sense of smell, when it comes to detecting Parkinson's disease, could prove to be a game-changer in early diagnosis and treatment.
This discovery not only challenges our understanding of the human sense of smell but also opens up new possibilities for disease detection. The stereotype of an "old people smell" has taken on a new significance, serving as a potential early warning sign for Parkinson's disease. Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of this fascinating finding.
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