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Why Early Detection Matters
Early identification of cognitive changes may allow people to seek medical evaluation sooner and discuss lifestyle strategies, treatment options, or additional testing with healthcare professionals.
Smell testing is attractive because it can be:
- Non-invasive
- Quick to perform
- Low-cost
- Easy to include in some routine evaluations
However, smell testing is not a standalone diagnostic test for Alzheimer’s disease. Changes in the sense of smell can have many different causes.
Common Scents Used During Testing
Non-food scents
- Soap
- Leather
- Lilac
- Smoke
- Gas
- Rose
Food-related scents
- Cherry
- Clove
