Studies have identified a warning sign that may appear ten years earlier than other symptoms.
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Memory problems, especially struggling to remember recent events, are usually the earliest signs of dementia. However, research has shown that your nose may contain clues even before memory problems arise.
“One of the early signs of Alzheimer's disease, which isThe most common form of dementia worldwide is anosmia (loss of smell) or hyposmia (decreased sense of smell). These two red flags may appear before other signs appear, which potentially helps detect the disease earlier,” says neurologist Alexandra Alyokhina exclusively for MediForum.
The study showed that a decrease in the sense of smell is associated with a faster development of pathology associated with Alzheimer's disease, observed on brain scans.
Looking at people aged 70, the research team observed that those who were unable to recognize the smells of objects such as roses, lemons and onions were more likely to develop the condition over the next decade.
“Olfactory bulb , which is crucial for the sense of smell, is affected quite early in the course of the disease. It is thought that smell may be a preclinical indicator of dementia, while hearing and vision may play a larger role in the development of dementia.”
Other early signs of dementia that may appear before memory loss:
- Unsteady gait
- Clumsiness
- Difficulty with coordination.
- Tremors or stiffness in the limbs.
Physical symptoms are more often associated with certain types of dementia, such as dementia from Parkinson's disease. Each person may experience dementia differently, resulting in differences in the progression of symptoms,
Although changes in the ability to smell can be alarming, a neurologist notes that alsoIt is worth knowing the characteristic signs of Alzheimer's disease.
Alekhina also notes that the main symptom of brain disease in the early stages is memory loss.
It is recommended to pay attention to the following signs:
- Forgetting about recent conversations or events
- Incorrect placement of objects
- Forgetting the names of places and objects.
- Problems with choosing the right word
- Keep asking questions
- Shows poor judgment or makes it harder for you to make decisions
- Become less flexible and more hesitant to try new things.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of dementia , it would be a “good idea” to see a general practitioner, recommends Alyokhina. Your doctor can perform simple tests to determine the cause of these symptoms and refer you to a specialist if necessary.
Early diagnosis opens the door to further care and treatment. Early intervention, in turn, can help manage symptoms and provide needed support.
MedicForum previously wrote about healthy fats that thin the blood.
Important! Information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.