An Early Sign of Alzheimer’s Disease Can Be Noticed While Taking a Shower: What Should You Look Out For?

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.

This explains why patients may lose the ability to distinguish scents before noticeable memory problems arise. The brain simply stops processing smells the way it once did, leading to confusion or complete loss of odor recognition.

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.

🧴 Everyday Examples You Shouldn’t Ignore

It’s not just about the smell of soap in the shower. Pay attention if you notice:

• Your coffee doesn’t smell as strong as before.

• Flowers or perfumes seem faint or unrecognizable.

• You mix up scents — something pleasant may suddenly smell “off.”

• Foods you once loved seem less appealing because their aroma feels “empty.”

While many factors can temporarily affect smell — such as a cold, allergies, or aging — a persistent loss of smell without a clear explanation may be worth discussing with a doctor.

🩺 What Studies Reveal

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