Doctor shares early warning sign of Alzheimer's after personal diagnosis

Dr. Daniel Gibbs, a 74-year-old doctor from Oregon, recognized he might develop Alzheimer's disease when he lost his sense of smell at age 55. He was diagnosed with the disease nine years ago and has since made lifestyle changes to manage symptoms. Gibbs has engaged in regular exercise and tai chi, claiming these efforts have slowed the disease's progression by 30 to 50 percent. His experience aligns with research suggesting that maintaining physical fitness can support cognitive health in older adults. Researchers are exploring the connection between smell training and cognitive performance. They suggest that enhancing the sense of smell may help prevent or slow dementia, but more studies are needed to confirm these findings.