Effects of rasagiline on olfactory function in patients with parkinson's disease

Mov Disord. 2013 Nov 4. doi: 10.1002/mds.25661. [Epub ahead of print]

Haehner A, Hummel T, Wolz M, Klingelhöfer L, Fauser M, Storch A, Reichmann H.

Source

Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Dresden Medical School, Dresden, Germany.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Impairment of olfactory function is a well-recognized nonmotor manifestation of Parkinson's disease (PD). The aim of this investigation was to determine if the MAO-B inhibitor rasagiline can improve olfaction in PD patients.

METHODS:

Thirty-four PD patients participated in this single-center, prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind study. Seventeen patients were randomly assigned to rasagiline and 17 patients to placebo. Ortho- and retronasal olfactory testing and recording of event-related potentials were performed before and after 120 days of rasagiline versus placebo intake.

RESULTS:

When comparing olfactory score differences between baseline and after 120 days between the 2 groups, the level of significance was not reached.

CONCLUSIONS:

The primary end point of the study was not reached, and therefore, a specific effect of rasagiline on olfactory function in PD could not be demonstrated.