In an eight-year study of more than 1,000 participants, researchers used a highly accessible olfactory test: they simply scratched scent samples and identified common odors—such as soap, smoke, rose, or leather. The result? People who had difficulty naming these scents had a significantly higher risk of developing cognitive impairment in later years.
A score below 8 out of 12 was already considered a warning signal . Combined with a short memory test, this sensory test proved to be as relevant as some brain MRIs or much more complex biological analyses. A promising result.
A valuable lead for earlier detection
The advantage of this test? It is simple, non-invasive, inexpensive , and could be performed in a doctor’s office without sophisticated equipment. Above all, it would offer the possibility of identifying people at risk before the appearance of visible symptoms , paving the way for earlier treatment and appropriate prevention strategies.
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