Smell test could help to identify dementia

A SIMPLE smelling test could detect dementia years before it strikes, a study has revealed.

The research shows a link between the inability to identify common odours and a breakdown in mental function.

Scientists also believe there is a strong association between eye damage and memory decline.

Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, can currently only be detected after brain damage has occurred.

But the double breakthrough could introduce a quick way of detecting the condition. Tests could be carried out at home, revolutionising the way the condition is managed and providing hope for millions.

Damage

Scientists conducted “scratch and sniff” tests on 397 people with an average age of 80. They found an impaired sense of smell was significantly associated with transition to the illness.

Seonjoo Lee, of Columbia University, New York, said: “These findings support odour identification as an early predictor.”

The findings were presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Canada.

Meanwhile, British scientists found eye damage was linked to poor mental performance in tests on 33,068 people.

Fang Ko, of Moorfields Eye Hospital and University College London, said: “Our findings show a clear association between thinner macular retinal nerve fibre layer and poor cognition.”