Attention: This unfamiliar symptom could warn you of dementia 10 years early—see it before it's too late!
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As we gracefully navigate the golden years, our bodies undergo an abundance of changes. Some of these changes are visible, like the silvering of hair, while others are more subtle and often go unnoticed.
But there's one change that might be more significant than you realize—a change in your sense of smell.
Anosmia, the medical term for the loss of smell, is not just an inconvenience—it could be telling of something more serious.
Nearly 7 million Americans have been diagnosed with dementia, a condition that erodes memory, thinking skills, and the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. What's startling is that anosmia can manifest up to a decade before other more recognizable symptoms of dementia make their presence known.
The connection between anosmia and dementia isn't just anecdotal; it's rooted in the very fabric of our neurology.
The clumps of protein that are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease tend to accumulate in brain regions tied to memory and smell before they spread to other areas. This means that a diminishing sense of smell could be an early indicator of cognitive decline.
A study from the University of Chicago Medicine in 2022 found that individuals with a rapid decline in their sense of smell also had notable differences in the volume and shape of gray matter in parts of the brain associated with olfaction and memory. This suggests that anosmia isn't just a symptom but a visible sign of underlying changes in brain structure.
The implications of anosmia extend beyond the inconvenience of not enjoying your favorite fragrances.
“Odor identification has been identified as a useful screening tool that predicts conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease dementia,” Virginia neurologist Fouzia Siddiqui advises.
She also adds that Lewy body dementia, the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s, the reduced ability to smell can come before other symptoms by almost a decade.
Research indicates that older adults who struggle to identify scents are three times more likely to pass away within five years compared to those with a healthy sense of smell. This startling statistic underscores the importance of paying attention to changes in our sensory experiences.
It's crucial to remember that anosmia doesn't always point to dementia. It can also be a symptom of a cold, the flu, COVID-19, head trauma, vitamin deficiencies, or even a part of normal aging.
However, as Dr. Meredith Bock, a board-certified neurologist, points out, “The process of neurodegeneration that causes dementia can also affect sensation and sensory processing related to smell, making it harder for [patients] to recognize familiar scents like their favorite shampoo or body wash.”
Have you or a loved one experienced changes in your sense of smell? How did you address it, and what advice would you give to others? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
But there's one change that might be more significant than you realize—a change in your sense of smell.
Anosmia, the medical term for the loss of smell, is not just an inconvenience—it could be telling of something more serious.
Nearly 7 million Americans have been diagnosed with dementia, a condition that erodes memory, thinking skills, and the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. What's startling is that anosmia can manifest up to a decade before other more recognizable symptoms of dementia make their presence known.
The connection between anosmia and dementia isn't just anecdotal; it's rooted in the very fabric of our neurology.
Anosmia, or the loss of sense of smell, is strongly linked to an increased risk of developing dementia and can appear up to a decade before other symptoms. Image source: Pexels.
The clumps of protein that are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease tend to accumulate in brain regions tied to memory and smell before they spread to other areas. This means that a diminishing sense of smell could be an early indicator of cognitive decline.
A study from the University of Chicago Medicine in 2022 found that individuals with a rapid decline in their sense of smell also had notable differences in the volume and shape of gray matter in parts of the brain associated with olfaction and memory. This suggests that anosmia isn't just a symptom but a visible sign of underlying changes in brain structure.
The implications of anosmia extend beyond the inconvenience of not enjoying your favorite fragrances.
“Odor identification has been identified as a useful screening tool that predicts conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease dementia,” Virginia neurologist Fouzia Siddiqui advises.
She also adds that Lewy body dementia, the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s, the reduced ability to smell can come before other symptoms by almost a decade.
Research indicates that older adults who struggle to identify scents are three times more likely to pass away within five years compared to those with a healthy sense of smell. This startling statistic underscores the importance of paying attention to changes in our sensory experiences.
It's crucial to remember that anosmia doesn't always point to dementia. It can also be a symptom of a cold, the flu, COVID-19, head trauma, vitamin deficiencies, or even a part of normal aging.
However, as Dr. Meredith Bock, a board-certified neurologist, points out, “The process of neurodegeneration that causes dementia can also affect sensation and sensory processing related to smell, making it harder for [patients] to recognize familiar scents like their favorite shampoo or body wash.”
Have you or a loved one experienced changes in your sense of smell? How did you address it, and what advice would you give to others? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
