Loss of smell may be a sign of Alzheimer s disease, particularly for those over 60 with a heightened genetic risk, according to a study by the University of Chicago Medicine. Carriers of the gene variant APOE e4 lost their ability to detect odours earlier than those without it, according to the study.
People with the gene variant APOE e4 did not demonstrate a distinction in their ability to identify specific odors until they reached the age range of 75 to 79.
Despite the impact post-COVID parosmia has on people’s lives, with half of respondents reporting depression, researchers say not enough is known about it.