Did You Know? Loss of Smell Potential Early Sign of Dementia

Our Loved One Lost Her Sense of Smell Years Before We Noticed Other Dementia Symptoms

My wife Jess and I were talking the other day, trying to identify the early signs of my mother-in-law’s–Mimi’s–dementia. I’m sure the family members who lived closer to her may have noticed before we did from afar, but our first examples began in 2018. That is, until Jess remembered Mimi lost her sense of smell a few years prior to that, in 2015. What is the connection between our olfaction and the brain, you ask?

Thank You, Science: Hope You’re Funded Again Someday

Various studies have shown that there is a significant connection between the loss of smell and Alzheimer’s-related protein buildup, brain volume, and eventual cognitive impairment. There is still more research to be done to solidify this link across larger and more diverse populations, but based on what we know now, olfactory monitoring could be useful in regular screenings with medical providers among the general population as a means of early detection.

If you clicked the links, you may have noticed that these studies were funded (at least in part) by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH is our premier federal medical research agency, which spends most of its $48 billion annual budget on crucial medical research conducted by “300,000 researchers at more than 2,500 universities, medical schools, and other research institutions in every state,” as well as its in-house labs and scientists. However, the current administration has already laid off 1,500 NIH workers and halted 16,000 grant applications for projects that help us understand, prevent, and treat our world’s illnesses and medical problems, including dementia. It is absolutely necessary that our federal government continue to support the NIH if we ever plan to End Alzheimer’s.

Early Detection is Key

If we had recognized Mimi’s loss of smell as an early sign of dementia, would it have changed the trajectory of our detection, monitoring, behavior changes, medical interventions, and eventual progression of the disease? Hard to say. Yes? Probably. However, the earlier dementia is diagnosed, the more treatment options become available and the more impact they can have in slowing down its effects.

What Can We Do?

First, we can and should be vocal advocates at the national and state levels about funding for dementia services and research funding. The upcoming Minnesota Alzheimer's and Dementia Day at the Capitol, hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association, is Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. You can register here for the event–and the earlier the better, so they can schedule your meetings with your representatives!

Second, we should educate ourselves on the signs of dementia, as well as talk with friends and family about them. The more we know, the better equipped we will be to recognize them and start acting.

By joining our online community, we can talk amongst ourselves about noticing the signs and symptoms, and how to best support our loved ones who have–or will get–the dementia diagnosis.

The community is for everyone and anyone in Minnesota supporting a loved one with any type of dementia! Join us. 💟