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There’s a subtle sign of dementia that can show up while you’re simply showering: the inability to smell or recognize the scent of your shampoo or body wash.
While a loss of smell at an older age isn’t necessarily a sign of dementia, it is a neurodegenerative disease which means it affects the brain, which in turn affects the senses and other bodily functions.
“The process of neurodegeneration that causes dementia can also affect sensation and sensory processing related to smell, making it harder for them to recognize familiar scents like their favorite shampoo or body wash,” Dr. Meredith Bock, a board-certified neurologist and chief medical officer at Remo Health, tells Parade Magazine.
The loss of smell can occur slowly over time. According to neurologists, it can happen before a person notices any cognitive impairment.
“In the case of Lewy body dementia (LBD), olfactory dysfunction seems to be part of the disease process, and generally it precedes symptoms by almost a decade, in some cases,” said Dr. Fouzia Siddiqui, neurologist and sleep center medical director for Sentara RMH Medical Center.
Dr. Bock said the loss of smell isn’t noticeable for someone with Alzheimer’s, but it can be common and noticeable for people with LBD and Parkinson’s disease. Dementia affects more than 55 million people worldwide. It’s prevalent in people over the age of 65.
If you notice you’re unable to use your sense of smell and it’s not related to the common cold or COVID-19, you’re urged to consult your doctor and schedule a cognitive exam and physical exam.
Unfortunately, if you lose your sense of smell due to dementia, you’re unable to get it back.
According to Dr. Siddiqui, some patients try aromatherapy to restore their sense of smell. When it comes to showering and enjoying the scent of shampoo and body wash, if you can’t smell it, Dr. Siddiqui suggests enjoying the sensations that come with a face exfoliator or the fresh-out-of-the-shower feeling.
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