Simple sign of Alzheimer's could be be spotted in the shower
These are the signs which could point to an early diagnosis
Niamh Spence
Alzheimer's is a truly devastating disease that is sadly unpredictable for the majority of people who are diagnosed with it. But there's a simple sign to look out for that could point to an early diagnosis.
According to the World Health Organisation, there are over 55 million individuals around the world diagnosed with dementia right now - and even more alarmingly, this figure is said to be on the rise.
Dementia can often develop after a person has Alzheimer's, so there's even more focus on being able to spot the early signs and get help in the beginning stages.
Now, a new study has pointed out one of the first signs of Alzheimer's, and it's something we can all make an effort to watch out for.
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Technically, the symptoms of Alzheimer's present themselves when parts of the brain shrink (a process known as atrophy), which affects the structure and function of specific areas of the organ - as per the NHS.
It's thought that the cause of this shrinkage is a combination of age-related changes in the brain, as well as genetics, environmental and lifestyle factors.
Now, a new study from the University of Chicago has found a simple sign that could point to a person having Alzheimer's, and it's found in the shower.
Losing the sense of smell is one of the first clues of this condition, and especially for things we see and encounter in our daily routines. This could mean something as simple as being unable to smell your shower gel or body wash when you're in the shower.
The study focused on our on olfactory senses (our sense of smell) and the link to memory, and looking at whether losing our sense of smell is an indicator of memory loss - even in the early stages.
However, it's important to note that just because you can't smell that minty shower gel, it doesn't mean you're automatically at risk. Instead, if you're concerned then it's important to speak to your GP.
Another theory put forward by scientists is that another simple sign of Alzheimer's is actually inside our mouth.
In 2019, a published study found a connection between a common infection in this area and a decline in brain functions - the ailment being gum disease.
According to another paper submitted by University of Louisville microbiologist Jan Potempa, the pathogen behind chronic gum disease (a condition known officially as periodontitis) was also found in the brains of deceased Alzheimer's patients.
These instances aren't the first times a connection between mouth health and Alzheimer's was discovered, however.
According to science alert, previous experiments involving mice found that an oral infection with the pathogen (known as Porphyromonas gingivalis) led to brain colonisation.
While the team behind the 2019 study aren't claiming to have discovered a definitive cause of Alzheimer's, they did emphasise that mouth health should be considered during initial conversations with potential patients.
Stephen Dominy - co-founder of pharma startup Cortexyme, which organised the research time - told press at the time: "Infectious agents have been implicated in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease before, but the evidence of causation hasn't been convincing. Now, for the first time, we have solid evidence connecting the intracellular, Gram-negative pathogen, P. gingivalis, and Alzheimer's pathogenesis."
However, they were also found in the brains of several deceased individuals who had not received an Alzheimer's diagnosis.
So, while there appears to be a connection, it's still largely unknown whether gum disease causes Alzheimer's, or whether dementia leads to poor mouth and gum health.