Dementia affected more than 55 million people worldwide. Particularly likely in people over 65 years old, dementia is a progressive neurological disease that can manifest as forgetting things, feeling anxious, difficulty making decisions and much more.

Noticing these symptoms can be scary, and being on constant alert may not be the best way to protect your mental health and emotional well-being. At the same time, knowing what symptoms to look out for can be helpful. These symptoms are not always expected either.

Related: Forgetting these 4 things could be an early sign of dementia, says neurologist and dementia consultant

The Surprising Dementia Symptom You May Notice in the Shower

A sign of dementia may appear while you are taking a shower: not being able to smell or recognize the smell of your shampoo or body wash, with the exception of other issues that may impact your olfactory senses, such as COVID-19 or a stuffy nose.

But wait, what does this have to do with dementia?

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How dementia affects a person’s ability to smell

First, it’s important to note that a loss of smell in old age is not necessarily a sign of dementia.

“As we age, it’s normal for our senses to change,” explains Dr. Meredith Bock, MDcertified neurologist and chief medical officer of Remo Health. “For people with dementia, these changes may be more visible. »

Dr. Fouzia Siddiqui, MDneurologist and medical director of the Sleep Center at Sentara RMH Medical Center, talks about the connection. “A increased risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s-related dementia has been identified in subjects with olfactory dysfunction,” she says. “Odor identification has been identified as a useful screening tool that predicts the conversion of mild cognitive impairment to dementia linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Basically, this happens because dementia is a neurodegenerative disease. This affects the brain, which, in turn, affects the senses (and other bodily functions).

“The neurodegeneration process that causes dementia can also affect sensations and sensory processes related to smell, making it more difficult to recognize familiar scents like their favorite shampoo or body wash,” says Dr. Bock .

Loss of smell usually happens slowly over time, neurologists say, and it can actually happen before a person notices cognitive impairment.

“In Lewy body dementia (LBD), olfactory dysfunction appears to be part of the disease process and typically precedes symptoms by up to a decade, in some cases,” adds Dr. Siddiqui.

It is also important to note that the type of dementia is important when considering this symptom. Dr. Bock says the loss of smell might not be noticeable in a person with Alzheimer’s disease; however, for people with LBD and Parkinson’s disease, it is usually common and noticeable.

Related: The surprising symptom that could be an early sign of dementia, new study suggests

What to do if you notice a loss of smell

Not being able to smell good, or even at all, can be scary, because it’s associated with diseases such as COVID and dementia. And let’s be real: it’s also just plain unpleasant. Smell helps us appreciate the taste of food and can even calm anxiety. So what do you do?

“My recommendation to anyone who may be experiencing loss of smell is to see your doctor for a cognitive exam and physical exam,” says Dr. Bock.

Dr. Siddiqui agrees that it’s best to talk to your doctor. Again, a loss of smell does not always mean dementia. “There are more common causes of loss of smell, such as the common cold, flu, sinus infections, hay fever, allergic rhinitis, and COVID-19,” she says. “In most of these causes, anosmia (loss of smell) can be reversed through treatment of the underlying condition and other aromatherapies.”

Related: Want to reduce your risk of dementia? Don’t skip this vaccine

Can you regain your sense of smell?

Whether or not a person can smell again depends on the cause of the loss. But in the case of dementia, the answer is unfortunately not promising.

“Unfortunately, if the loss of smell and taste is due to a neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, it does not come back,” says Dr. Bock.

Dr. Siddiqui says some patients try aromatherapy to restore their sense of smell, but the loss may be permanent.

However, not all joy is lost. When eating, Dr. Bock says some people find it helpful to add extra spices, appreciate the textures of foods, or look at social aspects.

When it comes to taking a shower and not being able to enjoy the scent of shampoo and shower gel, what can you enjoy? Perhaps the sensations that accompany a facial exfoliant or more simply, that feeling of freshness when you get out of the shower.

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Related: This Very Common Problem Could Raise Your Risk of Dementia, Neurologists Say: Here’s How to Prevent It

Sources

• Dr. Meredith Bock, MDcertified neurologist

• Dr Fouzia Siddiquineurologist

• DementiaWorld Health Organization