Odour test that can detect Alzheimer’s through urine is currently in development

AN odour test could detect Alzheimer’s years before devastating memory loss strikes, scientists say.

 

Researchers have found that the disease leaves a strong smell long before its toxic plaques develop

 

Researchers say the disease leaves a distinctive smell long before its toxic plaques develop in the brain.

It means a non-invasive test could be used to spot it during its early stages through an odour in urine.

Timely and accurate diagnosis of dementia is hugely important

Dr Simon Ridley, Alzheimer’s Research UK

 

Early diagnosis is considered vital in treating Alzheimer’s.

Neuroscientist Dr Daniel Wesson, who led the study at the Monell Chemical Senses Centre in Philadelphia, said the research is at “the proof-of-concept stage”.

 

Tests done on mice with dementia symptoms found that their urine had a distinctive odour

 

A non-invasive test could now be used to on people suspected of having Alzheimer's

 

Tests on mice with dementia symptoms found they produced urinary odour profiles clearly distinguishable from control mice.

The research is published in the journal Scientific Reports.

Dr Simon Ridley of Alzheimer’s Research UK said: “Timely and accurate diagnosis of dementia is hugely important.”