Lemons and lilac among top 10 smells that predict Alzheimer's disease

'The sense of smell is affected in dementia like the other senses, but anecdotal evidence suggests that the ability to smell and identify some odours disappears faster than the other senses.

There is still no 100% certain way of diagnosing Alzheimer's disease whilst a person is alive and the physician relies on several tests to reach a best clinical judgement. A test that is quick to carry out and non evasive would - if proven to work - be a significant step forward.

The Alzheimer's Society is funding a study into a person's ability to smell lavender. There are many types of dementia and this research is investigating whether they affect a person's sense of smell differently. This study has not yet reached a conclusion, but it is interesting that more research groups are now systematically investigating the sense of smell.'

Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of research