Sniffing out your dementia risk

When it comes to nosepower, recent research shows that the African elephant has the strongest sense of smell in the animal kingdom; they can smell water sources 12 miles away. If they lost that ability, they’d be hard pressed to get their needed 50-gallona-day supply of water.

If you lose your sense of smell -- especially if it happens rapidly -- you may be losing a valuable asset, too: your cognitive powers.

Research in Neurology Advisor reveals that if you aren’t having any cognition problems but your ability to smell is fading fast, that’s a strong predictor that your brain is undergoing changes that are features of Alzheimer’s disease, such as a smaller volume of grey matter in brain areas associated with memory. And, when the researchers followed 515 adults for up to 18 years, they discovered that even a one-time measurement that spots a failing sense of smell is predictive of greater cognitive decline 15 years later.

There are, of course, other causes of loss of smell: nasal polyps, deviated septum, allergies, COVID-19 and other infections. It’s also linked to diabetes, obesity, smoking, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s. But, if it happens suddenly and doesn’t go away, see your doctor for a diagnosis. Although we cannot cure Alzheimer’s, you can slow development and progression of mild cognitive impairment with aerobic activity, social engagement, a plant-based diet (with salmon and sea trout), and life-long learning. Use your senses to protect your scents and check out “The Great Age Reboot” for more info on how to protect your brain.