The loss of a person's sense of smell may be the first sign of Alzheimer's disease, according to a new, five-year study conducted by researchers at Chicago's Rush University Medical Center.

This discovery could lead to scratch-and-sniff tests to determine the risk for Alzheimer's disease, according to an AP report.

More than 5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease, which causes severe memory loss.

Presently there is no cure for the brain disorder, as researchers seek to find the causes and treatment for the disease.

However, not all sense of smell loss is cause for panic, according to the lead author of the study. There may be other contributing factors causing the loss through the sinus passages.

Researchers are simply attempting to find the symptoms that lead to the disease to better understand it and to find ways in which to combat it.

Simply being aware of any changes in your body and its abilities should all be fully reported to your doctor, particularly as you reach an elderly age.