A Subtle Early Sign of Alzheimer’s You Might Notice in the S…

with healthcare professionals.

Smell testing is attractive because it is:

• Non-invasive

• Quick to perform

• Low cost

• Easy to include in routine evaluations

Even though smell testing may be helpful, it’s important to remember that many other conditions can also affect the ability to detect odors.

Common Scents Used During Testing

Non-food scents:

• Soap

• Leather

• Lilac

• Smoke

• Gas

•

Rose

Food-related scents:

• Cherry

• Clove

• Strawberry

• Menthol

• Pineapple

• Lemon

If someone consistently struggles to recognize several familiar odors—particularly when accompanied by memory lapses, confusion, difficulty performing familiar tasks, or changes in daily functioning—it is reasonable to discuss these concerns with a healthcare professional.