It is well known that the disappearance of smell indicates infection with a coronavirus infection. However, scientists from the University of Chicago said that senile dementia can also be manifested by this very atypical symptom.
In recent years, COVID-19 has been strongly associated with the sudden disappearance of the ability to distinguish smells. And now scientists from Chicago claim that anosmia can also be an early sign of senile dementia. Note that scientific studies have previously associated various types of dementia with the gradual disappearance of odors. But for the first time, scientists have shown that dementia can be manifested by a sharp disappearance of the ability to distinguish aromas.
Loss of smell can be a symptom of deadly diseases
The authors of the study followed more than 500 older Americans for nearly 20 years. Those who experienced manifestations of anosmia for several years subsequently suffered from Alzheimer's disease twice as often as those who gradually lost the ability to distinguish smells over decades. According to the authors of the study, this provides an even clearer picture of the links between odors and dementia. Therefore, smell and vision acuity tests should be made routine for older people who are suspected of having memory problems.
Smell is not always lost with coronavirus
While smell is sometimes considered less important than sight and hearing, it still provides the brain with very valuable information. Memory plays a critical role in the ability to recognize smells, and science has long known about the relationship between smell and cognitive performance. (READ MORE) 
University of Chicago
Medicine
private research university in Chicago, State Illinois, USA, founded in 1890