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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Alzheimer S Disease Related With Loss Of Taste And Smell?

I am female, 76, in fairly good health. I am diabetic but have it under control. I am losing my sense of taste and smell. I ve heard this may be a symptom of Alzheimers. Is that true? I try to keep my brain active doing word and numbers puzzles and reading a lot.
Tue, 19 Aug 2014
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi! Taste and smell are interlinked senses. Both, like other senses, deteriorate with age. Over 60% individuals above age 80 report decline in ability to smell and/or taste.Diabetes is another cause. In your case your age (76) and diabetes could of themselves be responsible for your taste & smell disorder. Your concern, however,is Alzheimer's.Indeed there is a gradual decline in taste & smell sensation which comes before memory loss, confusion & general weakness in Alzheimer's. There are several other neurologic (parkinson's, huntington's), psychiatric(schizophrenia, depression) and endocrine(hypothyroidism)disorders where taste & smell are affected. I'd suggest two things. First an ENT check up to rule out any 'local cause'. If it turns out normal then a neurology appraisal.
Do write in for more info. All the best!
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Neurologist,  Dr. Eris Ranxha's  Response
Dear
lost of smell doesn't mean that you will suffer dementia
In my opinion you should schedule a brain MRI
Regards
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Is Alzheimer S Disease Related With Loss Of Taste And Smell?

Hi! Taste and smell are interlinked senses. Both, like other senses, deteriorate with age. Over 60% individuals above age 80 report decline in ability to smell and/or taste.Diabetes is another cause. In your case your age (76) and diabetes could of themselves be responsible for your taste & smell disorder. Your concern, however,is Alzheimer s.Indeed there is a gradual decline in taste & smell sensation which comes before memory loss, confusion & general weakness in Alzheimer s. There are several other neurologic (parkinson s, huntington s), psychiatric(schizophrenia, depression) and endocrine(hypothyroidism)disorders where taste & smell are affected. I d suggest two things. First an ENT check up to rule out any local cause . If it turns out normal then a neurology appraisal. Do write in for more info. All the best!