Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive degenerative disorder that affects memory, cognitive abilities, and behavior.

It is the most common type of dementia, affecting more than 5 million Americans, and it usually develops in people over the age of 65. Although memory loss is a hallmark symptom of Alzheimer’s, it is not always the first sign. In fact, the first symptom of Alzheimer’s may surprise you.

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that causes a gradual decline in cognitive function and memory. It is caused by the buildup of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, called beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles.

These plaques and tangles interfere with the communication between neurons, causing them to die.

As the disease progresses, the brain shrinks and loses function, causing changes in mood, personality, and behavior.

People with Alzheimer’s require increasing levels of assistance with daily activities, and eventually lose the ability to communicate, recognize family members, and care for themselves.

The Role of Genetics in Alzheimer’s Disease

Genetics plays a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, but it is not the only factor. There are two types of Alzheimer’s: familial and sporadic.

Familial Alzheimer’s is caused by a genetic mutation that is passed down from one generation to the next.

People who inherit this gene have a 50 percent chance of developing Alzheimer’s, usually at an earlier age than people with sporadic Alzheimer’s.

Sporadic Alzheimer’s is not caused by a single gene, but by a complex interaction between multiple genetic and environmental factors.

Age is the biggest risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer’s, but other factors such as lifestyle, diet, and chronic health conditions can also contribute to its development.

The Surprising First Symptom of Alzheimer’s

The first symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is not always memory loss. In fact, research has shown that people with Alzheimer’s often experience changes in their sense of smell before any other symptom appears.

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that smell impairment was the first sign of cognitive decline in older adults.

The study followed 2,906 people over the age of 57 for five years and found that those who had trouble identifying odors were more likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

Another study conducted by the University of Chicago found that people who had difficulty identifying odors were twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease within five years compared to people with normal sense of smell.

Researchers believe that changes in sense of smell may be related to the location of the beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. The olfactory bulb, which processes smells, is located in the same area of the brain where beta-amyloid plaques first appear.

Other Early Signs of Alzheimer’s

While changes in sense of smell are often the first sign of Alzheimer’s disease, there are other early symptoms to watch for. These include:.

Difficulty with simple tasks
Confusion about time and place
Trouble with problem-solving or decision making
Misplacing items and forgetting where they were placed
Poor judgment about safety and common sense
Withdrawal from social activities and hobbies
Losing interest in personal hygiene and grooming
Changes in mood and personality, such as apathy or depression

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease can be challenging because there is no single test that can definitively diagnose the disease.

However, doctors use a variety of tools and tests to evaluate a person’s cognitive function and rule out other conditions.

The diagnostic process usually involves:.

A complete medical history and physical examination
Cognitive assessments, such as memory and problem-solving tests
Neurological tests, such as brain imaging and spinal fluid analysis to check for beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles
Blood tests to check for other factors that may be causing cognitive decline

Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are treatments and therapies that can help manage the symptoms. Early diagnosis is important because it allows for earlier intervention and management of the disease.

Treatment for Alzheimer’s disease may include:.

Medications to improve cognitive function and slow the progression of the disease, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine
Psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy to help manage changes in mood and behavior
Lifestyle interventions, such as exercise and a healthy diet, to help maintain cognitive function and physical health
Support and assistance with daily activities from family members or professional caregivers
Participation in clinical trials to test new treatments and therapies for Alzheimer’s disease

Conclusion

The first sign of Alzheimer’s disease is not always memory loss. Changes in sense of smell may be an early marker of cognitive decline and a potential precursor to Alzheimer’s disease.

If you or a loved one experience changes in sense of smell or other early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to seek medical evaluation and appropriate treatment.