Most of us barely notice the scent of our daily soap or shower gel—it’s just part of the background of our routines. But if a familiar fragrance suddenly seems weaker or vanishes altogether, it could be a signal worth noting. Some health experts suggest that subtle changes in the ability to recognize everyday smells may sometimes hint at shifts in brain function. Professor Davangere Devanand, a psychiatrist and neurologist at Columbia University, has observed that difficulty identifying familiar scents can occasionally appear before other signs of cognitive decline.
The sense of smell is deeply connected to the brain. The olfactory system, which detects and processes scents, is closely linked to areas like the hippocampus and amygdala, which govern memory and emotion. These are also among the first regions affected in neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Because of this connection, trouble recognizing common smells may sometimes show up before more obvious cognitive symptoms.
This change isn’t limited to shower products. People may notice that food smells less distinct, flowers don’t smell as strong, or familiar perfumes are harder to identify. In some cases, scents can even blur together or seem unusually faint. Experts note, however, that many factors affect smell, including normal aging, allergies, sinus infections, and temporary illnesses.
Research has examined the link between smell and brain health. Studies at Columbia University found that older adults who struggled to identify everyday scents were more likely to experience cognitive changes later. Since smell tests are simple and non-invasive, researchers are exploring their potential as an early screening tool for neurological issues. Still, noticing a change in smell doesn’t automatically indicate a serious condition—but paying attention to subtle shifts can be an important step in protecting long-term brain health.
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