Doctors are warning people to watch out for an unexpected symptom of dementia while showering
If you can’t smell your shampoo and soap in the shower, it may be time to make an appointment with a neurologist.
Anosmia, or the loss of sense of smell, has been linked to dementia and can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
This symptom can occur years, even ten years, before a person is diagnosed with dementia.
A loss of sense of smell does not necessarily mean dementia, and there are more common reasons for a decline in the sense of smell, such as colds, flu, sinus infections, allergies and Covid.
Dementia is neurodegenerative, meaning it causes ongoing brain atrophy over time.
And because our sense of smell and other senses are configured in the brain, the area that controls smell can become permanently damaged.
About three percent of Americans over 40 have no sense of smell, but exact figures are difficult to come by due to a lack of research.
Furthermore, as with dementia, the likelihood of losing the sense of smell increases exponentially with age.
A lack of sense of smell can be an early sign of dementia/Alzheimer’s disease. As the brain atrophy due to the neurodegenerative disorder, the part of the brain that dictates our sense of smell deteriorates
About four percent of people between the ages of 40 and 49 experience smell disorders, while this percentage rises to 10 percent for people in the age group of 50 to 59 years.
In the 60 to 69 age group, 13 percent have no sense of smell, and the prevalence rises further to 25 percent among people aged 70 to 79.
At the age of 80 and older, almost 39 percent of people are affected by this condition.
Dr. Fouzia Siddiqui, MD, neurologist and medical director of the sleep center for Sentara RMH Medical Center, said: ‘An increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia in Alzheimer’s disease has been identified in individuals with olfactory disorders.
‘Smell identification has been identified as a useful screening tool that predicts conversion from mild cognitive impairment to dementia in Alzheimer’s disease.’
A 2023 study followed more than 2,400 participants for an average of almost eight years, monitoring their sense of smell and its relationship with dementia.
Anosmia, or complete loss of smell, was found to be associated with an almost three times higher risk of developing dementia.
Hyposmia, which refers to a reduced sense of smell, was associated with a 1.76 to 1.85 times increased risk of dementia.
Furthermore, individuals who self-reported severe olfactory dysfunction were also at higher risk, with those reporting very poor olfactory function showing a 2.56 times higher risk of developing dementia.
Dr. Meredith Bock, MD, a board-certified neurologist and chief medical officer at Remo Health, said: ‘The process of neurodegeneration that causes dementia can also affect sensation and sensory processing related to smell, making it more difficult for them to recognize familiar smells. . like their favorite shampoo or body wash.”
If this problem is distressing, especially in older adults, it’s a good idea to seek professional help from a doctor, Dr. Bock said. Once in the doctor’s office, they may order cognitive tests to see if neurological decline could be causing the lack of smell.
Dr. Bock added, “Unfortunately, if the loss of smell and taste is due to a neurodegenerative condition, such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, it does not return.”