If the headline is “A subtle early sign of Alzheimer’s you might notice in the S…”, it may be referring to a change in your sense of smell.
👃 Loss of smell and Alzheimer’s
A reduced ability to detect or identify smells has been associated with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. The sense of smell can be affected relatively early in some neurodegenerative diseases. (InfoSenior Care)
For example, someone might notice that:
- Familiar foods no longer smell as strong.
- They have difficulty identifying familiar odors.
- Their sense of smell seems noticeably weaker than it used to be.
⚠️ But it does NOT mean you have Alzheimer’s
Loss of smell is not specific to Alzheimer’s. Aging, nasal problems, infections such as COVID-19, medications, and other neurological conditions can also cause it. (PubMed Central (PMC))
Also, memory problems are still among the typical early symptoms of Alzheimer’s. A change in smell alone isn’t a diagnostic test. (InfoSenior Care)
If you have noticed a persistent new loss of smell together with worsening memory, confusion, difficulty finding words, or problems navigating familiar places, it’s worth discussing with a doctor.
