Which sense is most affected by Alzheimer's disease?

The correct answer is that the sense most affected by Alzheimer's disease is smell. Research has shown that olfactory dysfunction, or impaired sense of smell, is often one of the earliest signs of Alzheimer's disease and can occur even before cognitive symptoms become apparent. The brain regions responsible for processing smells are closely linked to memory and emotion, which are significantly impacted in individuals with Alzheimer's. As the disease progresses, the ability to identify and differentiate between various odors typically decreases, making this sense particularly vulnerable.

In contrast, while other senses like vision, hearing, and touch can also be affected as Alzheimer's progresses, they do not demonstrate the same early decline associated with the disease as smell does. Recognizing the impact on the sense of smell can aid in the early detection of Alzheimer's and underscore the importance of monitoring sensory changes in individuals at risk.