This Unexpected Symptom Could Be an Early Sign of Dementia
While memory loss and cognitive decline are the well-known signs of dementia, this early sensory symptom could show up years beforehand
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Stock image of an older person being pushed in a wheelchair.A surprising symptom — often dismissed as the early signs of a cold — could be a warning sign for dementia.
Along with memory problems and changes in cognitive thinking, losing your sense of smell could be an early indicator of dementia, according to a report in Parade.
“As we age, it’s normal for our senses to change,” Dr. Meredith Bock, MD, a board-certified neurologist and chief medical officer at Remo Health, told the publication. “For people living with dementia, these changes can be more noticeable.”
Specifically, the sense of smell may be impacted, Dr. Fouzia Siddiqui, MD, neurologist and sleep center medical director for Sentara RMH Medical Center, also told the outlet.
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Stock image of lotions and body wash.“An increased risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease dementia has been identified in subjects with olfactory dysfunction,” she said. “Odor identification has been identified as a useful screening tool that predicts conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease dementia.”
This could present itself in everyday activities, Bock explained to the publication. “The process of neurodegeneration that causes dementia can also affect sensation and sensory processing related to smell, making it harder for them to recognize familiar scents like their favorite shampoo or body wash.”
As the U.S. Centers for Disease Control explains, “Dementia is a condition that makes someone unable to remember, think clearly, or make decisions while doing everyday activities.”
The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, the CDC says, adding that an “estimated 6.7 million older adults have Alzheimer's disease in the United States. That number is expected to double by 2060.”
Dementia’s impact on smell is gradual and often not immediately noticeable. For those with Lewy Body Dementia, it’s “part of the disease process,” Siddiqui says, adding, “Generally, it precedes symptoms by almost a decade, in some cases.”
Loss of the sense of smell is also a symptom of Covid-19 and other illnesses — so it’s recommended that you see a doctor if you notice a dulled or absent sense of smell.
