Doctor Vladimir Ivashkov, an oncologist, has outlined a simple home smell test on Telegram to help identify early signs of Alzheimer's disease.
The screening method requires a person to close their eyes and attempt to blindly identify five or six familiar scents.
Ivashkov said that anyone who fails to recognize the scents should consult a neurologist for a medical evaluation.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that gradually destroys memory and thinking skills. It is the most common cause of dementia, an umbrella term for severe memory loss and cognitive decline that interferes with daily living.
The human olfactory system relies on intricate neural networks located near the temporal lobe. In many neurodegenerative conditions, abnormal protein accumulations damage these delicate pathways early on, altering sensory perception long before broader cognitive faculties deteriorate.
Early detection of neurodegenerative conditions remains a major objective in neurology. Identifying subtle physiological changes before extensive brain cell loss occurs allows patients to seek timely clinical evaluations and support.
Early sensory warning signs
Ivashkov explained that individuals with Alzheimer's disease stop recognizing everyday odors, including coffee, mint, or gasoline. He noted that this sensory decline occurs long before any noticeable memory problems begin.
The olfactory system, which processes smells, is closely linked to brain regions governing memory and emotion. Because these neural pathways are vulnerable to early pathological changes, smell impairment often precedes typical cognitive symptoms.
A similar loss of smell recognition is also observed in patients with Parkinson's disease, Ivashkov added.
Parkinson's disease is a central nervous system disorder known primarily for affecting movement, causing tremors, stiffness, and balance issues. Like Alzheimer's, it frequently damages sensory processing networks in its initial stages.
To monitor cognitive and sensory health over time, Ivashkov recommended performing the smell test roughly once a year.
Dementia risks and sleep habits
Sensory changes are not the only early indicators or risk factors associated with cognitive decline. Neurologist Olga Chernikova previously identified two non-obvious triggers for dementia, pointing to regular sleep of less than six to seven hours a night as one key factor.
Dementia affects millions of people globally, impairing memory, reasoning, and daily functionality. Medical research indicates that during sleep, the brain activates mechanisms to clear out toxic metabolic waste, making consistent rest vital for long-term neurological health.
