This Smell Test Could be an Early Detection of Alzheimer’s
There is no question that Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating disease that makes seniors and their families feel helpless. It robs a person of their memories and their family of their presence. This is one of the main reasons that this disease is so heavily funded in regard to research. Finding a cure is of paramount importance.
A recent discovery in regard to Alzheimer’s involves peanut butter – yes, that’s right, peanut butter. Apparently, if you are unable to smell this delicious spread, it can indicate you may suffer from Alzheimer’s.
The Link of Seniors Sense of Smell and Cognitive Decline
A recent test was conducted at The University of Florida where 90 participants were asked to smell a spoonful of peanut butter a short distance from their nose. Some of the participants in the study had been confirmed as being in early stages of Alzheimer’s, while others had various forms of dementia and others had no type of neurological or cognitive issue, at all.
Of everyone in the study, the only ones who were not able to smell the peanut butter where those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Also, these patients also had a more difficult time smelling the peanut butter with only their left nostril. In most cases, the right nostril would be able to smell the peanut butter from about 10 centimeters further away than the left. This difference in the ability to smell from one nostril to the other is unique to Alzheimer’s disease since an elderly person’s first sense to go is the sense of smell when they are suffering from cognitive decline. This often occurs long before memory loss, which is something caregivers should be aware of.
The Process of the Peanut Butter Smell Test for Seniors
The actual process to administer the test is simple and consists of the following steps:
- Seniors who are participating will begin with their mouth and eyes closed. They will close either the left or right nostril.
- The research opens the peanut butter and stands a specified distance away. They slowly move forward until the person is able to smell the peanut butter.
- This distance is measured.
- After a 90-second break, the process is repeated with the other nostril.
- When testing is going on, it is essential that the researchers not know which participants actually have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Using the Testing Results and the Future of Alzheimer’s
The fact is, this test is not a way to diagnose the disease, but only confirm the diagnosis. However, for family members or caregivers who are worried about a Santa Clarita senior, they may want to consider trying this theory out. While doctor care is still necessary, it can help them understand what is going on with their loved one.
Alzheimer’s disease has no cure, but early detection can often help caregivers and seniors work to prevent the symptoms from getting severe. Taking time to learn about some of the latest findings will also help the elderly better understand what is going on with their body when cognitive decline begins. If you have a senior loved one who suffers from Alzheimer’s, call Comfort Keepers in Santa Clarita today to learn more about their caregiving services.
Comfort Keepers
23900 Lyons Avenue
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
661-287-4200
