In an eight-year study of more than 1,000 participants, researchers used an easily accessible smell test: they simply scraped off scent samples and identified common odors — such as soap, smoke, rose, or leather. The result? People who had difficulty naming these odors had a significantly higher risk of developing cognitive impairment later in life.

A value below 8 out of 12 was already considered a warning signal. Combined with a short memory test, this sensory test proved to be just as informative as some MRI examinations of the brain or much more complex biological analyses. A promising result.

A valuable clue for earlier detection

The advantage of this test? It is simple, non-invasive, inexpensive and can be performed in the doctor’s office without complex equipment. But above all, it offers the possibility of identifying people at risk before visible symptoms appear . This allows for earlier treatment and appropriate prevention strategies.

As Dr. Jeffrey Motter, co-author of the study, emphasizes that incorporating this type of screening into routine medical monitoring could fundamentally change the way we diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. This is a promising advance for patients… and their families.

Which smells should attract attention?

Here are the 12 odors used in the test to look out for if you experience persistent discomfort: