Calibration and Validation of a Computerized Olfactory Test in Subjects With Alzheimer's Disease in a Mild Stage

For twenty years research has shown a strong link between olfactory disorders and Alzheimer's disease. The focus is on the very early alteration of the olfaction which acts as a harbinger of the disease since it is detectable in its asymptomatic phase. In addition, olfactory involvement is a precursor to the transformation of mild cognitive impairment into MA. Indeed the anatomical structures the first lesions are located in the transentorhinal region of the temporal lobe and entorhinal phase, before progressing towards the limbic system, which will mark the clinical appearance of the first signs of AD.

In literature, it has been shown that there was no olfactory test that is recognized as a gold standard in the scientific community due to a lack of homogeneity of the tools used, their availability and their validity depending on the culture. Moreover, of all the tests currently available, none are specific to neurodegenerative diseases.

Very recent studies show that there is also a strong preference for imaging tools or biomarkers in the detection of AD, but it appears that the olfactory disorders are well before these markers. It has been shown that an identification test is comparable in predictive accuracy to neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid sampling.

This study will therefore focus on the calibration and validation of a computerized olfactory test for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and based the recommendations of professionals so as to promote the effective use of this test in clinical practice.