New research suggests that those at risk of Alzheimer’s may lose their sense before cognitive decline.
New research suggests that those at risk of Alzheimer's may lose their sense before cognitive decline.
The Connection Between Sense of Smell and Alzheimer’s Disease
Did you know that your ability to detect smells could potentially be a valuable indicator of Alzheimer’s disease? A new study published in the journal Neurology by researchers at the University of Chicago has discovered a link between the APOE e4 gene variant and a decrease in the sense of smell in older adults. According to the study, people with this gene variant may start to struggle with smell detection between the ages of 65-69, a decade before those without the mutation. Furthermore, those with the gene variant experienced a more rapid decline in both cognitive function and odor identification compared to those without it.
The study, which followed over 1,000 older adults for 10 years, found that individuals with the APOE e4 gene variant were nearly 40% less likely to have good odor detection at any given point in the study than those without the variant. These findings suggest that testing odor sensitivity could be a useful tool in predicting future impaired cognitive function related to Alzheimer’s disease.
Although the study did not track whether participants eventually developed Alzheimer’s, Dr. Matthew GoodSmith, an internist at the University of Chicago and lead author on the study, sees great potential in using smell testing as a diagnostic tool. The results of this research prompt further investigation into the interplay between smell and loss of cognition, providing valuable insights for the development of future diagnostic methods for Alzheimer’s disease.
Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition and the most common form of dementia. It typically begins with mild memory loss and can progress to the point of an individual being unable to carry on a conversation or respond to their environment, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
If you or a loved one are concerned about Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, it is important to consult with a doctor who can provide guidance and potentially refer you to a specialist, such as a neuropsychologist or a neurologist. The AARP highlights several warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease that individuals should be aware of:
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- Difficulty performing daily tasks such as managing bills or following a recipe
- Repetition, such as asking the same questions repeatedly or telling the same stories multiple times
- Struggling to find the right words
- Getting lost or disoriented
- Personality changes, including increased anxiety, confusion, fear, or paranoia
- Confusion about time and place, particularly if someone cannot remember their location or how they arrived there
- Misplacing items in unusual locations
- Trouble with personal hygiene
- Difficulty managing finances
- Sudden loss of interest in activities and relationships
- Forgetting old memories
Dr. GoodSmith suggests that changes in the sense of smell could be added to this list of warning signs. While there can be various reasons for a loss of smell, it might increase a primary care doctor’s level of suspicion and prompt them to investigate Alzheimer’s disease in a patient exhibiting other potential signs.
At present, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, treatments can help slow its progression. Dr. GoodSmith remains optimistic about the future and the possibility of interventions that can slow cognitive decline. Early detection of the condition, potentially through a simple and noninvasive test like assessing smell sensitivity, will play a crucial role when such therapeutics become available.
“It might be a useful thing once we develop more active therapeutics,” Dr. GoodSmith said.
In conclusion, the connection between the sense of smell and Alzheimer’s disease is a fascinating area of research. The study from the University of Chicago sheds light on the potential significance of smell detection as an early indicator of cognitive decline. Further exploration in this field can pave the way for improved diagnostic methods and interventions in the future, allowing for early detection and potentially slowing down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
