According to a recent study, your Ear, Nose, and Throat Dr. in Amherst might just be able to warn you about potential cases of neurogenerative diseases. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s have no cures, and it’s very difficult to diagnose them in their early stages. However, according to a recent study, there may be a link between someone’s olfaction and brain health.
The Study:
A number of studies have reported on the relationship between impaired olfaction and increased risk of death in seniors. However, many of these experiments fail to explain whether the higher mortality rates were a result of a reduced sense of smell or whether the impaired sense of smell was really a result of a number of other health conditions not including allergies.
This past April, a group of scientists from Michigan State University decided to see whether they could push the issue any further. The researchers gathered 2,289 adults between the ages of 71-82 and gave them the Brief Smell Identification Test, in which they were asked to identify 12 common orders.
The Results:
After 10 years, the group with the poorest sense of smell had a 46% higher risk of mortality than the group of people who easily identified the 12 odors. They also exhibited signs of dementia, Parkinson’s, kidney disease, and depression even after accounting for race, gender, lifestyle, socioeconomic status, and pre-existing conditions. More significant still, many of the people who scored poorly on the initial test reported having good health.
What this means for you?
Even though the body is made up of a number of complex organ systems, ultimately, these systems are interconnected. If your brain health is suffering, then it’s sure to affect other parts of your body. It’s important to be in contact with your ear, nose, and throat Dr. in Amherst, NY throughout your golden years. You don’t want to put off doctor’s visits only to find out that your physician could have spotted troubling warning signs early on.
Book an Appointment with Your Ear, Nose, and Throat Dr. In Amherst, NY
The canary in the coalmine, a reduced sense of smell could really be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Unlike loss of sight, memory, balance, or hearing, impaired olfaction is far harder to detect. Not only does it happen gradually, but it could easily be passed off as a cold or a bland dinner.
That being said, if you notice that your shnoz isn’t as strong as it used to be, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your ear, nose, and throat Dr. in Amherst, NY. It may just save your brain!
