An early sign of Alzheimer’s disease can be noticed while taking a shower: what should you look out for?

While memory loss is the most recognized symptom of Alzheimer’s disease, new research suggests a subtler sign may appear first: the loss of smell. According to Professor Davangere Devanand of Columbia University, struggling to recognize familiar scents—like your usual shower gel—could signal early cognitive decline.

Smell is deeply connected to memory. The brain regions responsible for scent recognition are often among the first affected in early Alzheimer’s.

In a long-term study involving over 1,000 participants, researchers used a simple smell test to detect warning signs. Participants were asked to identify 12 common scents such as soap, smoke, rose, and leather.

Those who scored below 8 out of 12 were significantly more likely to develop cognitive impairment over time.

This basic smell test, especially when combined with a short memory assessment, proved as effective as MRI scans and more complex evaluations.

It’s also affordable, non-invasive, and could be used in routine doctor visits to flag early warning signs.

Key scents to pay attention to include soap, gas, lilac, lemon, cherry, and menthol. If you consistently fail to recognize several—particularly familiar ones—it may be worth discussing with your doctor.

Your shower might reveal more about your brain health than you realize.

Related Posts

Benedita, the fighter from Vassouras

People laughed when a farmer paid very little for a woman nearly two meters tall, believing she was too difficult to manage and not worth the investment….

Can You Find All 4 Hidden Objects? Most People Miss at Least One

Visual puzzles can be a fun way to test your attention. At first, the image looks like a simple scene of an elderly couple relaxing in bed,…

A Father’s Day Surprise That Changed Our Family Forever

The first time Lily said it, I laughed it off, the way parents do when children say something oddly innocent. We were driving home from daycare when…

My Son Came Home Acting Strange Until I Realized Something Was Wrong

Tommy, an energetic eight-year-old, came home from his mother Lauren’s house acting strangely. He moved slowly, avoided eye contact, and became frightened when his father asked him…

What Chin Hair in Women Really Says About Horm:ones

Finding a few dark chin hairs can feel surprising, but in most cases it’s completely normal. However, when the hair becomes thicker, more frequent, or grows quickly,…

Girls in the 1970s: What Detail Do You Notice First in This Vintage Photo?

Photographs from the 1970s can transport us to a time when everyday life looked very different. Clothing, hairstyles, social habits, and entertainment all reflected the character of…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *