Research from Columbia University in NYC has hit on a new way to aid in diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease: using the nose. Dr. Devanand, Professor of Clinical Psychology & Neurology and Co-Director of the Memory Disorders Clinic of New York Psychiatric Center, has determined that the inability to identify certain familiar odors may yield a clue in early diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease.
Dr. Devanand's research team conducted their study every 6 months over a period of five years using the same subjects, all who had MCI or mild cognitive impairment. The researchers were surprised to find that 10 common smells: strawberry, soap, smoke, pineapple, natural gas, lilac, lemon, leather, menthol and cloves were found to be identified less frequently by those subjects who later developed Alzheimer's Disease.
With no true testing that definitely diagnoses Alzheimer's Disease or dementia, this research actually gives the caregiver a simple way to monitor olfactory abilities and assist the physician in noting changes.
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