Early dementia signs include loss of smell. Learn how olfactory testing and scent therapy can support brain health and early detection.

What most people think of when they hear “dementia” is memory loss. But that’s only part of the story.

Early dementia signs often begin long before memory declines—and one of the most overlooked indicators is loss of smell.

Dementia is not a single disease. It’s an umbrella term covering more than 100 different conditions, with Alzheimer’s disease accounting for roughly 60% of cases. The remaining 40% include rarer forms that are often harder to diagnose and require more complex care.

Understanding these early signals—especially olfactory changes—can make a critical difference in early detection, care, and quality of life.

Table of Contents

• What Is Dementia?
• Why Loss of Smell Matters
• The Connection Between Smell and Brain Health
• How Smell Testing Works
• Can You Improve Your Sense of Smell?
• FAQ

What Is Dementia?

Dementia is a broad term used to describe a range of neurological conditions that affect cognitive function, including:

• Memory
• Speech and language
• Behavior and mood
• Sleep patterns
• Motor function

While Alzheimer’s disease is the most recognized form, nearly 40% of cases involve less common types, which can present very different symptoms.

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Why Diagnosis Can Be Missed

• Symptoms vary widely
• Early signs are subtle
• Rarer forms are less understood
• Standard assessments often overlook sensory changes

Why Loss of Smell Matters

One of the earliest and most under-recognized symptoms of dementia is loss of smell, medically known as Anosmia.

This became widely recognized during COVID-19, when millions experienced sudden smell loss. However, in neurological conditions, this symptom can appear years before cognitive decline.

Why This Is Critical

• The olfactory system is directly linked to the brain
• Damage can signal early neurological change
• It impacts appetite, safety, memory, and emotional regulation

The Connection Between Smell and Brain Health

Your sense of smell is not just about scent—it is deeply tied to:

• Memory recall
• Emotional processing
• Nervous system regulation
• Sleep cycles
• Appetite and nutrition

When smell declines, it can lead to:

• Increased anxiety or confusion
• Reduced food intake
• Disrupted sleep
• Lower overall quality of life

Olfactory health is brain health—and it is not talked about enough.

How Smell Testing Works

At Smelling Pink (ESO), we offer a Smell Intake Kit designed to:

• Establish a baseline smell score
• Measure how well you detect and identify scents
• Track changes over time as you age
• Support early conversations with healthcare providers

This simple, non-invasive tool provides valuable insight into neurological health that is often overlooked in traditional assessments.

 Learn more about the smell intake process…

Can You Improve Your Sense of Smell?

Yes—through structured smell therapy, it is possible to strengthen and retrain your olfactory system.

Benefits of Smell Therapy

• Improved sensory awareness
• Better appetite and nutrition
• Enhanced sleep patterns
• Reduced anxiety and nervous system imbalance
• Increased cognitive engagement

Emerging research shows that olfactory training can support overall brain function, making it a powerful, natural intervention.

FAQ

What is the earliest sign of dementia?

One of the earliest signs can be loss of smell, even before memory issues appear.

How is loss of smell related to dementia?

The olfactory system is closely connected to brain regions affected early in dementia.

Can smell loss be reversed?

In some cases, smell therapy can improve function and sensory awareness.

Should I test my sense of smell regularly?

Yes. Establishing a baseline allows you to monitor changes over time.

Is smell testing medically recognized?

It is increasingly used as an early indicator in neurological research and clinical observation.

Can you smell clearly?

Take the first step in understanding your brain health.

Order your Smell Intake Kit establish your baseline.

Related Articles or Services

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Smelling Pink: How “What the Nose Knows” Sparked Canada’s First Scent Therapy Program

Scent Therapy for Sleep and Cognition

What If We Could Detect Dementia 3 Years Earlier—Through Smell Loss?

About Tracy Pepe

This work is led by the team behind Smelling Pink (ESO)—pioneers in scent science and sensory care.

With a focus on dementia, aging, and emotional regulation, ESO develops innovative tools and therapies that bridge olfactory health and neurological well-being.

Watch our TED Talk and learn more about the future of scent science YOUTUBE