Alzheimer's Society comment on latest study linking loss of smell and Alzheimer's disease

The research suggests loss of smell could be used as an early indicator of the disease. Previous research into this area has not led to consensus into how useful this may be as a basis for clinical diagnosis.

'Amyloid is an important target for possible treatments for dementia.  While this research in mice clearly shows a link between the loss of smell and amyloid build up, mice depend on their acute sense of smell so this may not easily transfer into diagnostic tools for people.  Scientists do not yet fully understand how the build up of amyloid affects the deterioration of cognition seen in dementia and more research is needed.

Earlier and more accurate diagnosis is a priority for improving quality of life for people with dementia and for the clinical research that may lead to new treatments for dementia. One million people will develop dementia in the next 10 years. We must act now.'

Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society

Reference: Wesson et al, 'Olfactory Dysfunction Correlates with Amyloid-β Burden in an Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model.' Published in the January 13 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience.
Ends