Scientists are developing a test which uses our sense of
smell as a way to determine if we might be developing early signs of dementia.
Health Briefs offers more information about how it works and what it means for
us.
The researchers found in two different studies that a
decreased ability to identify odors is associated with the loss of brain cell
function and the possibility of progression to Alzheimer’s disease. Smell is
association with the first cranial nerve and if often one of the first things
affected by cognitive decline. The areas of the brain which process odors are vulnerable
to Alzheimer’s early on in the progression of the disease. The scientists’
studies have shown in autopsies that amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary
tangles in the brain are responsible for smell and are also the definitive
signs of the disease.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the disease is the
most common form of dementia and is a general term for loss of memory. The
disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. The Health Briefs show
believes that the smell test, when available to the general public, will be a
painless and efficient way to test for dementia. For those who want to take it
or want an older person in their life to take it, we hope Medicare and private insurance
companies offer to pay for it. This test can be immensely helpful.
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