Home olfactory test predicts cognitive impairment in seniors

A recent study shows that a simple smell test taken at home could help detect cognitive impairment in older adults. Researchers from Mass General Brigham created the olfactory test, which involves sniffing different scents on a card. The study found that older adults with cognitive issues scored lower on this test than those who were cognitively healthy. This early detection method is promising for identifying people who may be at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. It allows for potential intervention before memory problems occur. Mark Albers, the senior author, emphasized the importance of creating a cost-effective, non-invasive test that can be used at home. The research team also looked into whether a decline in the sense of smell could indicate neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. They used the Aromha Brain Health Test for their study. Participants included both English and Spanish speakers with varying levels of cognitive complaints. Results showed that smell identification and memory ability tended to decrease with age. Older adults with mild cognitive impairment specifically struggled more with identifying and discriminating odors compared to those without cognitive issues. The findings were consistent across different languages and regardless of whether participants were observed. The researchers believe that the olfactory test can be useful in clinical studies to predict cognitive decline over time. Future research may combine this test with more comprehensive neuropsychological assessments.