Symptom 10: Sensory Changes – The Misinterpreted Signals of Synucleinopathy
We’ve reached the final entry in our in-depth look at synucleinopathy symptoms – sensory changes. These changes involve alterations in the way individuals perceive their environment, encompassing a wide range of symptoms, from changes in smell and taste to touch and pain.
These sensory changes often start subtly. You might notice a decreased sensitivity to smells or flavors. Some individuals report changes in their sense of touch, describing it as a diminished ability to perceive temperature or texture. It’s as if the world has become less vibrant, the colors not as bright, the sounds not as rich.
The culprit behind these sensory changes? You guessed it – the notorious α-synuclein proteins. These proteins invade and disrupt the function of neurons in sensory pathways, causing a sort of ‘communication breakdown’ between the body and the brain. It’s akin to a scrambled signal in a phone call, leading to misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
As synucleinopathy advances, these sensory changes may become more pronounced. A minor decrease in smell sensitivity might evolve into anosmia, the complete loss of the sense of smell. Changes in touch perception could progress to neuropathy, a nerve disorder characterized by tingling, numbness, or pain, usually in the hands and feet.(10)
