Here’s a full article‑style summary based on reliable reporting and research about the claim “An early sign of Alzheimer’s disease can be noticed while taking a shower” — including how that idea originated and what experts say. (Daily Express US)

Early Alzheimer’s Signs You Might Notice During a Shower

Recent health reporting has highlighted an unusual but potentially meaningful early sign of Alzheimer’s disease that you might notice in the shower: changes in your sense of smell or difficulty with your usual bathing routine. While this isn’t a definitive diagnostic test, experts say it may be a subtle indicator of early cognitive changes. (Daily Express US)

What the Research Found

Scientists at the University of Chicago have been studying how changes in the brain relate to early Alzheimer’s development. Their research focused on how the sense of smell (olfactory function) changes as dementia begins. (Daily Express US)

The study followed hundreds of older adults and found that a sharp drop in the ability to recognize familiar odors — one of the senses used daily — often occurred before more obvious memory or thinking problems. (Daily Express US)
Because smell is closely linked with memory and certain brain regions affected in Alzheimer’s, researchers think that olfactory decline might be an early warning signal for developing cognitive impairment. (Daily Express US)

So if someone who normally enjoys the scent of their shampoo or shower gel suddenly stops noticing it — and this cannot be explained by a cold, sinus issue, or recent COVID‑19 infection — it might be worth paying attention. (Daily Express US)

How This May Show Up in Real Life

In everyday settings such as showering, these changes might appear as:

1. Reduced Sense of Smell

A person may not notice the smell of products they’ve used for years. This decline can sometimes occur before memory loss becomes obvious in other ways. (Daily Express US)

2. Difficulty With Routine Steps

According to neurologists, another early brain health sign that can become noticeable during a shower is forgetting familiar steps in routine tasks, like skipping conditioner or forgetting to wash certain parts of the body — actions that were once automatic and habitual. (Yahoo! Health)

Neurologists explain that maintaining a normal shower routine draws on multiple cognitive skills including memory, planning and sequencing — all of which can be subtly affected early in Alzheimer’s disease. (Yahoo! Health)

**Important Context: What This Doesn’t Mean**

Not everyone who loses their sense of smell or forgets steps in the shower has Alzheimer’s disease. Many other conditions — such as chronic sinus problems, smoking, other neurological disorders (like Parkinson’s or Lewy body dementia), medications or simply aging — can influence smell or memory. (Yahoo)
A change in shower routine alone is not a diagnosis. It’s just one of many possible early signals that may warrant further evaluation by a healthcare professional. (Yahoo! Health)

Why Early Signs Matter

Alzheimer’s disease often begins in the brain years before noticeable symptoms occur. Detecting subtle changes early enables:

earlier clinical evaluation,
better planning and management, and
access to supportive therapies that can help maintain quality of life. (Daily Express US)

Clinicians usually recommend that if you notice persistent or progressive cognitive changes — including memory issues, confusion with daily tasks, or unexpected changes in routine behavior — you should consult a doctor for assessment. (Daily Express US)

Other Common Early Signs of Alzheimer’s (Beyond Shower Observations)

According to health authorities, early warning signs can include: (Harvard Health)

memory loss that disrupts daily life,
trouble planning or solving problems,
difficulty completing familiar tasks (not just showering),
confusion with time or place,
problems with words and communication,
misplacing things or poor judgment,
mood or personality changes.

In Summary

Noticing changes in your ability to smell familiar scents or subtle shifts in how you perform everyday routines — like showering — may be among the early, less obvious signs of Alzheimer’s-related cognitive decline. These signs are not definitive on their own, but they can be important prompts to talk with a healthcare provider, especially if they occur alongside other cognitive concerns. (Daily Express US)

If you’d like, I can also provide links to the original research abstracts or explain how early olfactory testing is being developed for Alzheimer’s screening.