An early sign of Alzheimer’s disease can be noted at the same time: what should I pay attention to?

 

At the same time, the first symptoms of Alzheimer’s are uniquely related to memory: an old number, a word in the language point or difficulty in orientation. But a recent studio has sent a message much more useful and unexpected that it could simply be detected… in a shower. ¡Sí, it’s okay!

We do not recognize the scent of the jabón: a signal that we do not ignore

Imagine this: after your usual shower gel, it’s with the aroma that results in you being familiar for years, and for repentance… nada. O best thing, a vago aroma and difficult to identify. This seemingly trivial detail may be, in reality, one of the first signs of cognitive deterioration, taught by Professor Davangere Devanand, psychologist and neurologist at the University of Columbia in New York.

¿Why? Therefore, it is only the ear’s nose: it is a cerebral function closely related to memory. The areas of the brain that allow us to identify the signals are found between the first ones and are affected by the early forms of Alzheimer’s disease.

A simple but revealing test
In an eight-year study with more than 1,000 participants, researchers used a highly accessible olfactory test: they simply scratched scent samples and identified common odors, such as soap, smoke, roses, or leather. The result? People who had difficulty identifying these scents had a significantly higher risk of developing cognitive decline in old age.

A score below 8 out of 12 was already considered a red flag. Combined with a short memory test, this sensory test proved to be as effective as some brain MRIs or much more complex biological analyses. A promising result.

A valuable clue for early detection

The advantage of this test? It’s simple, noninvasive, inexpensive, and could be performed in a doctor’s office without the need for sophisticated equipment. Above all, it would offer the possibility of identifying people at risk before the onset of visible symptoms, facilitating early treatment and appropriate prevention strategies.

As Dr. Jeffrey Motter, co-author of the study, points out, integrating this type of screening into routine medical follow-up could profoundly transform the way we diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. This is a promising development for patients… and their families.

What smells should attract attention?

Please note that the 12 colors used in the display should be noted, and you should be careful if you experience persistent inconvenience:

Olores no alimentarios: jabón, leathero, lila, humo, gas, rosa.

Food flavors: cereza, clavo, fresa, mentol, piña, limón.
The difficulty repeated in recognizing various of these scents, especially a familiar scent like the jabón, can justify a conversation with your doctor, especially if the concern is other useful signs (lapses of memory, disorientation, loss of interests, etc.).

Moraleja: This is only a moment of relaxation… but it may turn into a silent alert when the brain is still in motion.