Shower alert: The unexpected dementia sign you could spot today!
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any changes to your health regimen.
As we enter our golden years, our memories become our most treasured possessions. Sadly, some of us don’t get to keep our memories for as long as we’d like. Some of us even experience losing other abilities - like our sense of smell - which connects us to different memories we have throughout our life.
Dementia is a complex and progressive neurological condition that affects millions of people around the globe, with a particularly high prevalence among those over 65. This condition can slowly chip away at a person's memory, decision-making abilities, and even cause feelings of anxiety.
Did you know that one of the early warning signs of dementia might be lurking in your daily shower routine?
The Surprising Symptom: Loss of Smell
Imagine stepping into the shower, reaching for your favorite scented shampoo, and realizing you can't smell it.
A diminished sense of smell, known medically as anosmia, could be an early indicator of dementia, particularly if there's no other obvious cause like a stuffy nose, respiratory infection, or recent illness.
Understanding the Connection
Before anything else, it’s important to remember that a loss of smell at an older age doesn’t immediately mean it’s a symptom of dementia.
According to Dr. Meredith Bock, MD, a board-certified neurologist and chief medical officer at Remo Health, “As we age, it’s normal for our senses to change. … For people living with dementia, these changes can be more noticeable.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Fouzia Siddiqui, MD, neurologist and sleep center medical director for Sentara RMH Medical Center, talks about the connection between the sense of smell and dementia. “An increased risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease dementia has been identified in subjects with olfactory dysfunction.”
She adds that, “Odor identification has been identified as a useful screening tool that predicts conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease dementia.”
This change supposedly happens since dementia is a neurodegenerative disease. It impacts the brain, which then affects the senses and other bodily functions.
“The process of neurodegeneration that causes dementia can also affect sensation and sensory processing related to smell,” Dr. Bock says. This means that even familiar scents become hard to recognize.
Doctors have observed that certain types of dementia, such as Lewy body dementia (LBD) and Parkinson's disease, often present with olfactory dysfunction early on, sometimes years before cognitive symptoms become apparent.
Although Dr. Bock points out that this isn't always the case–like with Alzheimer's disease, where the loss of smell might not be as pronounced or noticeable.
The Importance of Early Detection
While losing your sense of smell can be unsettling, it's crucial to understand that it's not a definitive sign of dementia. Many conditions can temporarily affect your ability to smell, from the common cold to sinus infections.
However, if you notice a persistent change in your olfactory abilities, it's wise to consult with a healthcare professional. Dr. Bock recommends consulting your physician “for a cognitive screen and physical examination.”
Anosmia is usually associated with more common causes such as in the “common cold, influenza, sinus infection, hay fever, allergic rhinitis, and COVID-19,” according to Dr. Siddiqui. If it’s caused by the aforementioned, anosmia can be “reversed by treatment of underlying condition and other aromatherapies.”
However, in the case of losing your sense of smell due to dementia, it’s not assured that your ability will return.
“Unfortunately, if the loss of smell and taste is due to a neurodegenerative disorder, such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, it does not come back,” Dr. Bock claims.
Finding Joy Beyond Scent
For those who may face a permanent loss of smell due to dementia, it's important to find other ways to engage the senses and enjoy life's pleasures.
Dr. Bock suggests it might mean experimenting with more spices and textures, or focusing on the texture and social experience of a meal.
In the shower, the tactile sensations of water on the skin, the warmth enveloping the body, and the refreshing feeling afterward can still be sources of comfort and enjoyment.
Overall, awareness of such subtle symptoms is a crucial part of staying informed about our health as we age.
Have you or a loved one encountered a loss of smell? How have you adapted your daily routines to accommodate this change? Share your insights in the comments below!
As we enter our golden years, our memories become our most treasured possessions. Sadly, some of us don’t get to keep our memories for as long as we’d like. Some of us even experience losing other abilities - like our sense of smell - which connects us to different memories we have throughout our life.
Dementia is a complex and progressive neurological condition that affects millions of people around the globe, with a particularly high prevalence among those over 65. This condition can slowly chip away at a person's memory, decision-making abilities, and even cause feelings of anxiety.
Did you know that one of the early warning signs of dementia might be lurking in your daily shower routine?
The Surprising Symptom: Loss of Smell
Imagine stepping into the shower, reaching for your favorite scented shampoo, and realizing you can't smell it.
A diminished sense of smell, known medically as anosmia, could be an early indicator of dementia, particularly if there's no other obvious cause like a stuffy nose, respiratory infection, or recent illness.
Not being able to smell or recognise the scent of personal hygiene products, like shampoo or body wash, could be a warning sign of dementia. Image source: Pexels.
Understanding the Connection
Before anything else, it’s important to remember that a loss of smell at an older age doesn’t immediately mean it’s a symptom of dementia.
According to Dr. Meredith Bock, MD, a board-certified neurologist and chief medical officer at Remo Health, “As we age, it’s normal for our senses to change. … For people living with dementia, these changes can be more noticeable.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Fouzia Siddiqui, MD, neurologist and sleep center medical director for Sentara RMH Medical Center, talks about the connection between the sense of smell and dementia. “An increased risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease dementia has been identified in subjects with olfactory dysfunction.”
She adds that, “Odor identification has been identified as a useful screening tool that predicts conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease dementia.”
The loss of smell is linked with neurodegeneration, which is a feature of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, and Parkinson's disease. Image source: Pexels.
This change supposedly happens since dementia is a neurodegenerative disease. It impacts the brain, which then affects the senses and other bodily functions.
“The process of neurodegeneration that causes dementia can also affect sensation and sensory processing related to smell,” Dr. Bock says. This means that even familiar scents become hard to recognize.
Doctors have observed that certain types of dementia, such as Lewy body dementia (LBD) and Parkinson's disease, often present with olfactory dysfunction early on, sometimes years before cognitive symptoms become apparent.
Although Dr. Bock points out that this isn't always the case–like with Alzheimer's disease, where the loss of smell might not be as pronounced or noticeable.
The Importance of Early Detection
While losing your sense of smell can be unsettling, it's crucial to understand that it's not a definitive sign of dementia. Many conditions can temporarily affect your ability to smell, from the common cold to sinus infections.
However, if you notice a persistent change in your olfactory abilities, it's wise to consult with a healthcare professional. Dr. Bock recommends consulting your physician “for a cognitive screen and physical examination.”
Anosmia is usually associated with more common causes such as in the “common cold, influenza, sinus infection, hay fever, allergic rhinitis, and COVID-19,” according to Dr. Siddiqui. If it’s caused by the aforementioned, anosmia can be “reversed by treatment of underlying condition and other aromatherapies.”
However, in the case of losing your sense of smell due to dementia, it’s not assured that your ability will return.
“Unfortunately, if the loss of smell and taste is due to a neurodegenerative disorder, such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, it does not come back,” Dr. Bock claims.
Finding Joy Beyond Scent
For those who may face a permanent loss of smell due to dementia, it's important to find other ways to engage the senses and enjoy life's pleasures.
Dr. Bock suggests it might mean experimenting with more spices and textures, or focusing on the texture and social experience of a meal.
In the shower, the tactile sensations of water on the skin, the warmth enveloping the body, and the refreshing feeling afterward can still be sources of comfort and enjoyment.
Overall, awareness of such subtle symptoms is a crucial part of staying informed about our health as we age.
Have you or a loved one encountered a loss of smell? How have you adapted your daily routines to accommodate this change? Share your insights in the comments below!
