Loss of smell can be one of the warning signals of dementia development, German neurologists sayAccording to which this manifestation of neurodegenerative disease occurs long before one begins to forget, be confused and disoriented.
Dementia, which affects millions of people around the world, causes memory, language and mood problems. According to research, however, changes in our senses appear years before the diagnosis itself and may be the key to early detection of this serious disease.
The authors of the research have found that the reason is the attack of the immune system on the nerve fibers associated with the perception of smell. In mouse experiments, early nerve fiber damage that connects a olfactory bump with the brain area important for the processing of sensory perceptions has been shown.
“Our findings can open the way to previous identification of patients who are in danger of developing Alzheimer’s disease”Said Dr. Jochen Herms of the University of Munich. He added that this would allow comprehensive testing before the discovery of cognitive problems. Early diagnosis is essential in dementia. Although the disease is not cure, treatment may alleviate symptoms and in some cases slow down its procedure.
