It is commonly assumed that the initial symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are simply memory-related: a forgotten name, a word on the tip of one’s tongue, or difficulties finding one’s bearings. However, a recent study has identified a much more subtle—and unexpected—sign that may be detectable just by taking a shower. Yes, you read it correctly!
No longer recognizing the smell of soap: a signal not to be ignored
Imagine this: You open your usual shower gel, the one with the aroma you’ve been using for years, and suddenly… nothing. Or, more accurately, a hazy, difficult-to-identify fragrance. This seemingly little detail could be one of the first symptoms of cognitive loss, according to Professor Davangere Devanand, a psychiatrist and neurologist at Columbia University in New York.
Why? Because smelling is a brain function that is intimately related to remembering. Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease affects the parts of the brain that allow us to distinguish scents.
A simple, but revealing test
In an eight-year study involving over 1,000 individuals, researchers employed a simple olfactory test: they scraped smell samples to identify typical aromas like soap, smoke, rose, or leather. What was the result? People who had difficulties naming these odors were considerably more likely to experience cognitive impairment later in life.
A score of less than 8 out of 12 was previously deemed a warning indicator. When combined with a short memory test, this sensory test showed to be as useful as some brain MRIs or considerably more extensive biochemical investigations. A promising outcome.
A vital clue for early detection.
What is the benefit of this test? It is straightforward, non-invasive, and inexpensive, and it may be done in a doctor’s office without specialized equipment. Above all, it would enable the identification of persons at risk prior to the emergence of apparent symptoms, allowing for earlier treatment and appropriate prevention initiatives.
As Dr. Jeffrey Motter, co-author of the study, points out, incorporating this form of screening into normal medical monitoring could fundamentally alter how we detect Alzheimer’s disease. This is an encouraging development for patients and their families.
What smells should attract attention?
Here are the 12 scents used in the test to be aware of if you experience prolonged discomfort:
- Non-food scents include soap, leather, lilac, smoke, gas, and rose.
- Food smells: cherry, clove, strawberry, menthol, pineapple, and lemon.
Repeated difficulties Recognizing several of these odors, particularly a familiar aroma like soap, may necessitate a consultation with your doctor, especially if you are concerned about other minor symptoms (memory lapses, disorientation, loss of interest, etc.).
Moral? Showering is more than simply a relaxing moment; it can also serve as a silent signal regarding the status of our brain.
