This groundbreaking research, published in Scientific Reports, found that older adults with mild cognitive issues performed significantly worse on odor identification and memory tasks compared to those with normal cognitive function.
What makes this finding so exciting is its simplicity and accessibility.
The AROMHA Brain Health Test works by having participants scratch and sniff odor labels placed on cards. Then, a web-based app is used to assess their ability to identify, distinguish, and remember different smells.
No fancy equipment, no expensive brain scans, no invasive procedures—just a simple sniff test that can be completed at home.
Why does this work?
It turns out that problems with smelling (what scientists call olfactory dysfunction) can serve as an early warning sign for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and traumatic brain injury.
Think of your sense of smell as the "canary in the coal mine." for your brain health. Your ability to smell often deteriorates before other more noticeable cognitive symptoms appear, giving you a head start on detection and intervention.
The potential impact of this research is substantial:
Early detection: Spotting cognitive decline years before more obvious symptoms appear allows for earlier intervention when treatments may be more effective.
Accessibility: A simple, affordable test that doesn't require a trip to a specialist could make screening available to many more people.
Widespread screening: This test could be used in primary care settings, community health centers, or even at home, reaching people who may otherwise be overlooked.
While this specific test isn't widely available to the public yet, it's certainly something to look for in the near future. The researchers are continuing their work to validate the test in larger populations.
In the meantime, if you notice changes in your sense of smell that aren't related to a cold or sinus issue, it’s worth mentioning to your doctor. While smell loss can occur for many reasons—and often has benign explanations—it could potentially be an early sign worth investigating, especially if you have other risk factors for cognitive decline.
Health and Happiness,
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
P.S. You may also qualify for a free scratch and sniff test as part of a research study on smell loss and brain disease being conducted by the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Go to MySmellTest.org for more information.
Source:
Jobin, B., Magdamo, C., Delphus, D. et al. The AROMHA brain health test is a remote olfactory assessment to screen for cognitive impairment. Sci Rep 15, 9290 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-92826-8
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