It may seem surprising, but our sense of smell can reveal what’s happening deep within the brain long before the more obvious signs of Alzheimer’s disease appear. According to recent research, a sudden inability to recognize familiar scents — such as soap, coffee, or perfume — may be one of the earliest indicators of cognitive decline.
👃 The Science Behind Smell and Memory
Our sense of smell is directly connected to the olfactory bulb, which is closely linked to the hippocampus and amygdala — areas of the brain that manage memory and emotions. These regions are often among the first affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Professor Devanand notes that smell tests may soon become a valuable tool for early detection because they can reveal subtle neurological changes years before typical cognitive symptoms appear.
