Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a simple and inexpensive method that could help in the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease—using peanut butter.
The technique is based on the fact that Alzheimer’s often affects the brain’s sense of smell in its early stages. The disease typically damages the olfactory cortex, the area responsible for processing smells, and this damage often begins on the left side of the brain. As a result, people with Alzheimer’s may have a weaker sense of smell in their left nostril.
The study, led by researcher Jennifer J. Stamps, involved 94 participants, including individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, people with mild cognitive impairment, patients with other forms of dementia, and healthy volunteers.
To carry out the test, researchers used a ruler and a container of peanut butter. Participants were asked to close one nostril while the container was slowly moved closer, one centimeter at a time, as they exhaled. Researchers recorded the distance at which the smell was first detected and then repeated the process with the other nostril.
The findings showed a clear difference in people with Alzheimer’s. On average, they were able to smell the peanut butter at just 5.1 centimeters with their left nostril, compared to 17.4 centimeters with their right. This significant imbalance was not observed in healthy individuals or those with other neurological conditions.
According to the researchers, this distinctive pattern suggests the test could help doctors distinguish Alzheimer’s from other memory-related disorders. Because the method is quick, affordable, and requires no specialized equipment, it could be easily used in clinics and doctors’ offices.
Early detection of Alzheimer’s is crucial, as it allows patients and families to plan ahead and begin treatment and support sooner. The researchers also note that the test could be useful in clinical trials and research aimed at developing new treatments.
However, they caution that the peanut butter test should not be used as a standalone diagnostic tool. Instead, it should complement other medical assessments and evaluations.
The study was published in the Journal of Neurological Sciences and highlights how a simple household item could play a role in identifying a serious neurological disease at an earlier stage.