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I became interested in loss of ability to smell after reading an article in the Parkinson ( The Journal of the UK Parkinson disease society) which appeared in 1993 and discussed the relevance of Lewey Bodies ( small rogue microscopic particles which appear in brain neurons) and which are very concentrated in the areas where brain cells are being destroyed in Parkinsons disease.Lewey bodies are also found in the Olfactory Bulb where neuron death leads to loss of sense of smell.It was speculated that LB's were in some way connected with PD and the impairment of the sense of smell which was 'common' in people with PD. Having lost my own sense of smell I was interested to read that this was 'common' but how come that when I was diagnosed amongst the many questions fired at me I was not asked about my sense of smell? I then began to understand that this loss was not regarded amongst most neurologists as a reliable diagnostic tool.A year or so ago on this list this same subject was aired ( excuse the pun) and with the help of a lead given by Kathie Tollifson I contacted the University of Arizona about their research into a battery of tests for the early detection of PD and had a very helpful reply from Dr Montgomery who confirmed that one of the tests dealt with olfaction and offered to send me a copy of the preprint. Most of my interest in this subject arises from my amateur initiative in encouraging the organizers at Cambridge University of EPIC a gigantic European research health survey to include some questions particularly relevant to PD in their questioneer on lifestyle and diet to quarter of a million people.I felt my efforts were well worthwhile wben they included a question on loss of sense of smell. On a lighter note I should report that down in the quaint Parkinson village in middle England most of the inhabitants have no sense of smell which has had a potentially unfortunate consequence. Apparently Bernhard Mathews the turkey producing 'king' of Europe if not the world was taking a break from his yacht in the Med and was enjoying a little tour of rural England.He happened to pass through the Parkinson village and feeling in need of refreshment called in at the Parkinsons Arms.'What a bootiful village' said Bernhard 'Bootiful roses round the doors'. 'More's the pity they can't smell them ' said Millie as she pulled a pint of frothy Bard bitter.Unfortunately Millie was in a talkative mood and within a few minutes Bernhard was seen to hurridly leave the pub speaking excitedly down his mobile.Never a one to miss an opportunity he had realized in a flash that one of his enormous turkey producing plants could be developed near the village and the villagers would not object to the notorious smell from such an operation. He was wrong and the ensueing uproar from these proposals to long to detail severely taxed the community spirit of the village. Odorously yours, David Langridge.