Nasal swab may catch Alzheimer's disease earlier — here's how it works

Summary: Scientists have found a new way to catch Alzheimer's disease before memory problems even start: a simple nasal swab. Alzheimer's is a brain disease that destroys memory and thinking skills, and it is usually very hard to spot early on. Instead of waiting for blood tests or studying brain tissue after someone passes away, doctors can now use a gentle swab high up in the nose to collect living nerve cells.

Since losing your sense of smell can happen up to 10 years before other dementia signs, this test looks for early clues, like bad proteins building up and disturbing cell function. While the first study was small, this quick swab could soon help doctors find and treat Alzheimer's much sooner.

For more details, see rssapp-health-general at nypost.com/2026/03/22/health/nasal-swab-may-catch-alzheimers-disease-earlier-heres-how-it-works/ (opens in new tab)