Early sign of Alzheimer's disease can be spotted when you're in the shower

Alzheimer's disease, a leading cause of dementia in the elderly, gradually erodes memory and cognitive abilities. Memory loss, such as struggling to remember names or recent events, is often one of the earliest signs of this disease. However, researchers have now identified a potential early sign that could revolutionize the speed at which Alzheimer's is diagnosed.

While there is no known cure for dementia, early diagnosis can help manage its progression and lessen its impact. Specialists from the University of Chicago have discovered that a significant decrease in the sense of smell could be an early warning sign of Alzheimer's. This suggests that people might be able to detect the onset of the disease if they notice a diminished ability to recognize familiar smells during routine activities like showering.



The study focuses on the connection between odor recognition and memory, with researchers examining the olfactory function of 515 older adults. They aim to develop screening tests for the sense of smell similar to those used for vision and hearing evaluations. These tests could encourage individuals to look out for early signs, such as a weakened ability to smell their shampoo or shower gel while bathing.

Professor Jayant M. Pinto of the University of Chicago, a renowned specialist in disorders related to olfaction and sinuses as well as the senior author of an influential study, highlighted the significance of their findings by saying: "This study provides another clue to how a rapid decline in the sense of smell is a really good indicator of what's going to end up structurally occurring in specific regions of the brain." Delving deeper into their research outcomes, he added, "We were able to show that the volume and shape of grey matter in olfactory and memory-associated areas of the brains of people with rapid decline in their sense of smell were smaller compared to people who had less severe olfactory decline.

" Anyone concerned about their own memory issues or potential signs of dementia should consider consulting a general practitioner for advice. Should there be concern for another person, suggesting a doctor's visit and offering to join them for the appointment can provide much-needed support. It's crucial to take an active role in diagnosing dementia early, as this can lead to better care options and treatments, despite there being no cure at present.

Early discussion with a healthcare provider may improve the management of symptoms. Statistics indicate that over 944,000 individuals in the UK are living with dementia, numbers expected to rise. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common contributor, followed by vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementia.

The NHS has outlined that dementia symptoms can include issues with memory loss, mental agility, mood, and difficulties in carrying out daily activities. However, these aren't the only signs to watch out for - a reduced sense of smell could also be a warning sign. Here are 10 early signs of Alzheimer's: Memory loss that disrupts daily life Challenges in planning or solving problems Difficulty completing familiar tasks Confusion with time or place Trouble understanding visual images and spacial judgement New problems with words in speaking or writing Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps Decreased or poor judgment Withdrawal from work or social activities Changes in mood and personality.