Effects of Rasagiline on Olfactory Function in Patients With Parkinson's Disease

BackgroundImpairment 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. MethodsThirty-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. ResultsWhen comparing olfactory score differences between baseline and after 120 days between the 2 groups, the level of significance was not reached. ConclusionsThe 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. (c) 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society