What the Research Reveals About the Brain
According to senior author Jayant M. Pinto, professor of surgery at the University of Chicago, the study adds to growing evidence that a sharp decline in the sense of smell is a strong predictor of structural changes in specific brain regions.
Researchers found that individuals with rapid olfactory decline had reduced volume and altered shape of gray matter in areas of the brain responsible for smell and memory, compared with those who experienced a slower decline in olfactory function.
Smell Testing as a Potential Screening Tool
The researchers suggest that serial olfactory testing could be a practical and accessible way to monitor neurodegeneration and predict future cognitive decline.
They noted that the Brief Smell Identification Test is:
Non-invasive
Safe and reliable
Easy to administer
Completed in approximately five minutes
Because of its simplicity and accessibility, smell testing may become a valuable tool for identifying individuals at risk of Alzheimer’s disease at an earlier stage.
