Alzheimer's could be detected by taste and smell long before signs of memory loss

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Scientists in the UK are currently researching a taste and smell assessment that could help screen people who have Alzheimer's disease long before they develop memory loss symptoms.The research is being led by WMG at the University of Warwick, and will use a machine that will be able to create flavours accurately, reports Wales Online.The aim of the test is for participants to smell and drink different flavour solutions, and be able to describe them.Those who don't perform well will be sent for further testing that could result in an Alzheimer's disease diagnosis, the scientists claim.The research is being presented at an All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on dementia at Westminster on Wednesday, June 14, where it is being backed by Alzheimer's Society.Professor Alan Chalmers, from WMG at the University of Warwick, said: "In this simple screening test, people will be given different flavours to smell and taste - they then determine which is sweeter, less astringent, smells more of lemon, for example. "It's an easy, non-invasive test which can be rolled out to people quickly across the UK."At the moment, people who present with symptoms of memory loss are referred for MRI scans and spinal fluid tests to confirm a diagnosis. "By the time memory loss occurs, things are often too late; pioneering drug treatments only perform well in the early stages of degeneration."He added: "Failure of the flavour test can give the necessary early indication.

Our preliminary data shows that there is a difference in the flavour detection of those with Alzheimer's compared to those without the disease, so we hope to get further backing and implement these screening tests UK-wide."Professor Chalmers noted that while testing patients taste