Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia in older adults, progressively eroding memory and cognitive abilities.
Dementia's most common indicators are memory loss, concentration issues, and difficulty carrying out daily tasks. However, Alzheimer's disease researchers have identified a potential early sign of dementia that could transform the speed at which the condition is diagnosed.
While there is no known cure for dementia at present, an early diagnosis can help healthcare professionals slow its progression and mitigate its impact.
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Memory loss is often associated with dementia; however, specialists from the University of Chicago have identified a significant decline in the sense of smell as a potential early sign. This finding suggests that individuals might be able to detect Alzheimer's disease in its early stages, especially when they notice a diminished ability to recognise familiar smells during activities such as showering.
The research is based on the link between odour recognition and memory. The team examined the olfactory function of 515 older adults, aiming to develop screening tests for the sense of smell similar to those used for vision and hearing evaluations, reports Surrey Live.
Such tests could encourage people to look out for early warning signs, like not being able to smell their shampoo or shower gel as strongly while bathing.
Professor Jayant M Pinto from the University of Chicago, who has expertise in olfactory and sinus disease, commented on the study's importance: "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."
He further explained their research findings: "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."
For individuals concerned about memory issues or potential dementia, it's recommended to seek advice from your GP. If you're worried about someone else showing symptoms, encourage them to schedule an appointment with a GP, offering to accompany them if necessary.
An early diagnosis of dementia can be instrumental in planning ahead for care and treatment, hence recognising symptoms early is essential. Although there is no current cure for dementia, prompt medical consultation and advice can significantly aid in managing the condition.
Stats reveal that there are over 944,000 people living with dementia in the UK, and this figure is anticipated to rise. Alzheimer's disease is identified as the leading cause of dementia, followed by vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementia.
The NHS highlights that symptoms of dementia may encompass problems with memory loss, speed of thought, mental agility, mood, and challenges in performing daily tasks. However, these commonly recognised symptoms aren't the only indicators to watch out for - a diminished sense of smell could also serve as a potential red flag.
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