Toronto – The inability to recognize common smells such as cinnamon or banana could be an early indication of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study.
Researchers tested nearly 600 participants between the ages of 54 and 100 on how well they could distinguish common smells including, onion, lemon, black pepper, chocolate, soap and paint thinner. Participants were tested randomly during a five yearperiod.
25 percent of those tested were able to identify nearly all the odors. Half of the participants knew at least nine of the smells.
The people who made 4 or more errors on the smell test were found to be 50 percent more likely to develop cognitive problems.
Such tests could be invaluable if scientists are able to develop the capability to slow or stop the disease’s progression.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys a person’s memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities.
An estimated 97,000 Canadians will develop Alzheimer’s or a related disease.
The study was funded by the National Institute on Aging and the Illinois Department of Public Health.
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