Alzheimer’s Disease and Smell Loss
Anosmia (smell loss) or hyposmia (reduced smell) could be an early and important sign of Alzheimer’s disease before other symptoms begin. The degree of smell loss may correlate with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Anosmia may worsen as the disease progresses from early-stage mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease.
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Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia worldwide. Central to the pathology is the atrophy (shrinkage) of the brain, especially the hippocampus and cortex caused by neuronal & synaptic loss. Neuronal loss occurs due to a build-up of amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated-tau – two key pathological hallmarks in Alzheimer’s disease.