Most cases consider the initial signs of Alzheimer’s disease to be problems such as forgetting a name, not being able to recall a word, or struggling to find the right direction. Still, an updated study points out a small indicator that could be observed even in a shower. That is right, what you have read is accurate.
If your nose no longer detects the smell of soap, it’s a sign to take care of.
Imagine this happens: When you open your usual shower gel, there’s no smell, something unexpected has happened. More accurately, the scent is hard to pinpoint and seems almost unclear. One of the earliest signs of cognitive loss, believes New York’s Columbia University Professor Davangere Devanand, is this seemingly minor thing.
Why? Since smelling strongly connects to our memory process. With early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, abilities to smell and recognize scents are affected.
A basic test that gives good results
In the research, the investigators collected smells from the study group and tried to detect usual aromas like soap, smoke, rose, or leather. What was the conclusion from the trial? Individuals who found it difficult to name different smells were likely to develop cognitive impairment in the future.
Before, people considered a score below 8 out of 12 to be a sign of possible problems. Using these two tests together was found to be equally useful as taking some brain MRIs or carrying out lengthy biochemical investigations. A rewarding result.
Helpful information for early identification of the disease.
How can this test be useful? This test is quick, painless, and doesn’t cost too much, which makes it easy to do at a general doctor’s office using basic tools. Above all, it would make it possible to discover persons at higher risk before they notice any symptoms so that treatment and prevention can start sooner.
Dr. Jeffrey Motter, a co-author of the study, notes that this form of screening could greatly influence the process of spotting Alzheimer’s disease. This is good news for patients as well as their families.
What smells should be able to catch your attention?
Beware of these 12 smells if you feel discomfort for a long time after using the water.
Other scents apart from food include soap, leather, lilac, smoke, gas, and rose.
The scents for this food are cherry, clove, strawberry, menthol, pineapple, and lemon.
Trouble with these scents In case you consistently have problems with odors, like soap, you might consider visiting your doctor, particularly if you feel nervous about additional minor issues (memory gaps, feeling lost, losing interest, etc.).
Moral? Taking a shower does more than relax us; it also shows whether our mind is healthy or not.