Showering could reveal hidden dementia symptoms you never knew to look for—here’s what doctors say!
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As we age, our bodies undergo a myriad of changes. While some changes are visible and expected, others can be subtle and surprising indicators of underlying health issues. One such unexpected symptom that doctors are urging people, especially seniors, to be vigilant about is a change in their sense of smell while showering.
The simple act of not being able to smell your shampoo or soap could be more than just a temporary nuisance—it might be a sign to book an appointment with a neurologist. Anosmia, the medical term for loss of the sense of smell, has been increasingly linked to various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy Body dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. Alarmingly, this symptom can manifest years, or even a decade, before a formal dementia diagnosis is made.
Dementia is a neurodegenerative condition, which means it leads to the progressive loss of brain cells over time. Our sense of smell, along with our other senses, is processed in the brain, and the specific area responsible for olfaction can become irreversibly damaged as the brain deteriorates. This loss of smell, known as olfactory dysfunction, is not uncommon in older adults. In the United States, about three per cent of people over 40 experience anosmia, but the exact figures are hard to determine due to insufficient research.
The likelihood of experiencing a loss of sense of smell increases significantly with age. Approximately four per cent of individuals aged 40 to 49 have olfactory dysfunction, and this rate climbs to 10 per cent among those aged 50 to 59. The numbers continue to rise with age, reaching 13 per cent in the 60 to 69 age bracket and a staggering 25 per cent in those aged 70 to 79. By the time people reach 80 and older, nearly 39 per cent may be affected by this condition.
Dr. Fouzia Siddiqui, MD, a neurologist and medical director at Sentara RMH Medical Center, emphasises the connection between olfactory dysfunction and cognitive decline. 'An increased risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease dementia has been identified in subjects with olfactory dysfunction,' she explains. 'Odor identification has been identified as a useful screening tool that predicts conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease dementia.'
A study conducted in 2023 followed over 2,400 participants for an average of nearly eight years, examining the relationship between their sense of smell and the development of dementia. The findings were concerning: complete loss of smell was associated with almost a threefold higher risk of developing dementia. Even a reduced sense of smell, or hyposmia, was linked to a 1.76 to 1.85 times increased risk. Those who self-reported severe olfactory dysfunction were at an even higher risk, with a 2.56-fold increased likelihood of developing dementia.
Dr. Meredith Bock, MD, a board-certified neurologist and chief medical officer at Remo Health, points out that the process of neurodegeneration that leads to dementia can also impair sensory processing related to smell. This makes it challenging for individuals to recognise familiar scents, such as their favourite shampoo or body wash. Dr Bock advises that if an older adult finds this problem distressing, seeking professional help is crucial. A doctor can conduct cognitive tests to determine if neurological decline is at the root of the anosmia.
Unfortunately, as Dr Bock notes, 'if the loss of smell and taste is due to a neurodegenerative disorder, such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, it does not come back.' This underscores the importance of early detection and intervention.
For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, we recommend staying alert to changes in your senses, including smell, and discussing any concerns with your healthcare provider. Early diagnosis of dementia can open the door to treatment options that may slow the progression of symptoms and improve quality of life.
Have you or someone you know experienced changes in the sense of smell? How did you address it? Share your stories and insights in the comments below, and let's support each other in staying informed and proactive about our health.
The simple act of not being able to smell your shampoo or soap could be more than just a temporary nuisance—it might be a sign to book an appointment with a neurologist. Anosmia, the medical term for loss of the sense of smell, has been increasingly linked to various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy Body dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. Alarmingly, this symptom can manifest years, or even a decade, before a formal dementia diagnosis is made.
Anosmia, or loss of sense of smell, is warned to be an early sign of dementia, including Alzheimer's, Lewy Body dementia, and Parkinson's disease. Credit: Pexels
Dementia is a neurodegenerative condition, which means it leads to the progressive loss of brain cells over time. Our sense of smell, along with our other senses, is processed in the brain, and the specific area responsible for olfaction can become irreversibly damaged as the brain deteriorates. This loss of smell, known as olfactory dysfunction, is not uncommon in older adults. In the United States, about three per cent of people over 40 experience anosmia, but the exact figures are hard to determine due to insufficient research.
The likelihood of experiencing a loss of sense of smell increases significantly with age. Approximately four per cent of individuals aged 40 to 49 have olfactory dysfunction, and this rate climbs to 10 per cent among those aged 50 to 59. The numbers continue to rise with age, reaching 13 per cent in the 60 to 69 age bracket and a staggering 25 per cent in those aged 70 to 79. By the time people reach 80 and older, nearly 39 per cent may be affected by this condition.
Dr. Fouzia Siddiqui, MD, a neurologist and medical director at Sentara RMH Medical Center, emphasises the connection between olfactory dysfunction and cognitive decline. 'An increased risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease dementia has been identified in subjects with olfactory dysfunction,' she explains. 'Odor identification has been identified as a useful screening tool that predicts conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease dementia.'
A study conducted in 2023 followed over 2,400 participants for an average of nearly eight years, examining the relationship between their sense of smell and the development of dementia. The findings were concerning: complete loss of smell was associated with almost a threefold higher risk of developing dementia. Even a reduced sense of smell, or hyposmia, was linked to a 1.76 to 1.85 times increased risk. Those who self-reported severe olfactory dysfunction were at an even higher risk, with a 2.56-fold increased likelihood of developing dementia.
Dr. Meredith Bock, MD, a board-certified neurologist and chief medical officer at Remo Health, points out that the process of neurodegeneration that leads to dementia can also impair sensory processing related to smell. This makes it challenging for individuals to recognise familiar scents, such as their favourite shampoo or body wash. Dr Bock advises that if an older adult finds this problem distressing, seeking professional help is crucial. A doctor can conduct cognitive tests to determine if neurological decline is at the root of the anosmia.
Unfortunately, as Dr Bock notes, 'if the loss of smell and taste is due to a neurodegenerative disorder, such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, it does not come back.' This underscores the importance of early detection and intervention.
For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, we recommend staying alert to changes in your senses, including smell, and discussing any concerns with your healthcare provider. Early diagnosis of dementia can open the door to treatment options that may slow the progression of symptoms and improve quality of life.
