A simple but revealing test
In an eight-year study with more than 1,000 participants, researchers used a highly accessible olfactory test: they simply scratched scent samples and identified common odors, such as soap, smoke, roses, or leather. The result? People who had difficulty identifying these scents had a significantly higher risk of developing cognitive decline in old age.
A score below 8 out of 12 was already considered a red flag. Combined with a short memory test, this sensory test proved to be as effective as some brain MRIs or much more complex biological analyses. A promising result.
A valuable clue for early detection
The advantage of this test? It’s simple, noninvasive, inexpensive, and could be performed in a doctor’s office without the need for sophisticated equipment. Above all, it would offer the possibility of identifying people at risk before the onset of visible symptoms, facilitating early treatment and appropriate prevention strategies.
As Dr. Jeffrey Motter, co-author of the study, points out, integrating this type of screening into routine medical follow-up could profoundly transform the way we diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. This is a promising development for patients… and their families.
What smells should attract attention?
see continues on the next page
